AS A family, the Porters have always been there for others; they are heavily involved in the community, helping out various groups, including the Rydal Show and Camp Quality.
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But this time, it’s the community who want to give something back to try and help the family in their time of need.
Last month Hayley Porter, the daughter of Kevin and Katherine Porter, suffered critical head injuries after falling in a freak equestrian accident at a competition being held at St Stanislaus’ College.
An accomplished horsewoman with around 10 years’ riding experience, Hayley, who was wearing a helmet at the time, fell from her horse, Minnie, after she sidestepped unexpectedly.
Hayley remains in the critical care unit at Westmead Hospital where she is making positive, but slow, progress.
Feeling the need to help in some way, friends are planning fundraising events to help the family.
Last weekend a charity cricket match was held at Hampton. One of the organisers, Isabel Hawken, said she wanted to raise some money for the Porters.
“They are very involved in our local Rydal Show and Hayley is such a loved, wonderful young woman – we are very lucky to have her in our area,” she said.
Another friend, Jane Iacono, is part of a group which has set up a fundraising account for the family.
Ms Iacono said the group got together because many people wanted to help the family in some way.
“Hayley and her family, Kevin, Katherine, Meghan and Thomas, remain in our thoughts and prayers constantly and there have been many enquiries about Hayley’s progress from the school and wider Bathurst community, with some wanting to make donations to assist the family in some way,” she said.
“The school will be fundraising early next term but, in the meantime, there has been an account set up through the Catholic Development Fund for those who would like to contribute in some way. Donations can be made at any Westpac branch,” she said.
Ms Iacono said everyone wants to do something to help. “All our prayers for Hayley and her family are continuing; she is a strong girl with a strong family. They do so much for everyone else, so we would like to do something to help them,” she said.
For those wanting to support the family, donations can be deposited directly into a Westpac account: BSB 032814; account name, CDF Bathurst Porter Family; account number, 360458.
