Matthews Family Relief Appeal

The recent ongoing events have affected so many people here in Queensland.  The disaster continues with Queenslanders lives being affected in various ways, some far worse than others.  When tragedy happens within the weightlifting family the news images we see on TV become more real and charge us with various emotions of disbelief, sadness and despair.

Steve Matthews was a respected and much loved member of the Toowoomba Weightlifting Association (TWA) and the weightlifting community since 2007. Steve started in weightlifting later in life but fell in love with our sport and contributed as a competitor, official and volunteer representing both Queensland and Australia as a Masters athlete.

Steve and his wife Sandy’s lives were taken away in tragic circumstances as a result of the flash flooding that occurred at Murphy’s Creek in the Toowoomba area on Monday 10 January, 2011.

Steve and Sandy are survived by their four bereaved children Victoria (15), Sam (20), Sarah (26) and Daniel (28) whose lives have now changed forever. Victoria and Sam who lived with Steve and Sandy have not only been robbed of their parents but also of the house and possessions they all shared - dreadfully the rushing waters took away everything except the clothes they had on.

The children now have to deal with the grief caused by their loss and rebuild their lives. To honor the   friendship, positivity, support  and good times  Steve and Sandy shared with us,  we have the opportunity to continue these acts as their legacy by making donations to the their children.

Please dig deep and make a donation to the Matthews Children Appeal – your kindness and generosity cannot give them back their lost loved ones but your generosity will help their battered emotions heal during this time of need.