By BRIDGET COOK
WHILE Jared Dunscombe’s life was cut short earlier this year, his selfless contribution to helping others has not been forgotten.
There was barely a dry eye in the house at the Rotary Club of Cranbourne’s changeover dinner on Friday night when it was announced that Jared was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.
District Governor (DG) Tony Spring presented the honour to Mr Dunscombe’s parents Kathy, who was president of the Cranbourne club, and John.
Mr Dunscombe, 31, was killed on 22 February this year while taking part in a Rotary fundraising event Ride to Conference.
He fell from his bike during the 600km cycling event and was struck by a truck and trailer travelling in the same direction.
Mr Dunscombe had once beaten the odds to live after he was hit by a car when he was seven years old and doctors gave him no chance of survival.
He defied medical odds and not only survived but went on to live quite a remarkable life, never letting a few physical problems he faced as a result of the accident get to him.
Mr Dunscombe was involved with the Cranbourne Rotaract Club at a young age and was a founding member of the Rotaract Club of Berwick.
Mr Dunscombe and his mother completed the Kokoda Trek and he then went on to do many inspirational talks about overcoming his first accident and his journey through Kokoda.
Mr Dunscombe also did talks at camps for the Rotary Young Leadership Awards.
He volunteered at YMCA camps for disabled children and was also involved in a group named TRAG – Teenagers Road Accident Group – which saw him go around to schools and speak to students about the dangers of modern driving.
His mother said receiving the Paul Harris Fellow recognition on behalf of Jared was unexpected but a great honour.
“It was a very emotional night for us,” she said. “Jared was a wonderful, caring young man who loved his family dearly as we loved him.
“He had many reasons to complain about life, but he never did, he had a most infectious smile and was liked by everyone. He was a young man, they said after his first accident, who would not be able to finish school or be able to work. He proved them so wrong.”
Ms Dunscombe said all the things he did outside of his job were volunteer roles.
“He would come home and say ’Mum if we saved one life today it is all worth it’,” she said.
“He was a very deserving young man who worked hard all his life to better himself. He was an inspiration to all.
“Jared never asked for any recognition for anything he did, but I think this is a wonderful way to recognise his efforts. There is a big hole left in our lives.”
Mr Spring said Mr Dunscombe was very deserving of such a recognition.
“This is a way of expressing our appreciation to his contribution to our programs,” he said.
“His life demonstrated what it means to be involved with Rotary.
“Jared was always helping others out.”
For the full story on the changeover dinner and more photos from the night turn to page 12.
