Crash victim’s spirits raised

By Bridget Brady
GARY Mathrick was lucky to survive a serious car smash five months ago.
This month, his spirits will be lifted when he attends a charity auction at the Cranbourne Turf Club on 29 November to help raise money for the 23-year-old who is currently unable to work.
Mr Mathrick, son of Cranbourne horse trainer Terry, received major injuries and suffered memory loss after a car accident on Manks Road earlier this year, not far from his Devon Meadows home.
His injuries included two broken vertebrae, a dislocated leg, a broken rib, a punctured lung, broken pelvis in two places and damage to his heart, liver, spleen and kidney.
Terry said his son was actually “gone” for a short period of time at the scene.
Friend of Terry’s and local entertainer Dave Whalen got together with a group of mates and decided to organise the charity auction.
“Gary is unable to drive or ride a horse ever again. We’re just trying to give him a bit of a kick along,” Mr Whalen said.
The money raised from the charity auction will be donated to Gary, and Mr Whalen said it could help with bills or anything small he needed to pay since being unable to work.
“It was just devastating. We thought the worst.”
The charity auction will include services to stallions, sports memorabilia, household goods, and tables to Cranbourne race meets with lunch and entertainment provided.
Terry said the whole family would attend the charity auction next Sunday.
Gary’s condition was improving, but he still felt the effects of many of the injuries, Terry said.
“It’s a good idea. He’s going to need all the help he can get.”
All are welcome to attend the charity auction at the Cranbourne Turf Club at 1pm on 29 November.