Dolphins, Ausbuild honour brave footy fan

A young Dolphins NRL fan had the chance to meet some of his heroes and be part of a guard of honour at Suncorp Stadium thanks to Ausbuild and the club.

Eleven-year-old Mateo is a passionate young footy fan whose resilience has captured the hearts of the community.

Earlier this year, he suffered a serious head injury after falling from his bike. He had removed his helmet just moments before the fall.

The accident left him with a cracked skull and a subdural haematoma. He was rushed to Redcliffe Hospital where doctors made the life-saving decision to perform a CT scan.

That scan revealed an unexpected diagnosis; Mateo also had a Chiari malformation, a condition where the brain extends into the spinal canal.

Thanks to the swift action of the Redcliffe Hospital team, he is now recovering but can no longer play rugby league - the sport he loves most.

To recognise his bravery and bring him a moment of joy, Ausbuild and the Dolphins invited Mateo to join the team at last Friday’s Captain’s Run with high hopes of meeting his hero Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (the Hammer), getting a signed jersey, and spending time with the squad before their clash with the Broncos.

The previous round, Mateo stood proudly on the field as part of the Guard of Honour, watching his team run out in front of thousands of fans for their clash with the Roosters.

His family, including his mother and siblings, were in the crowd thanks to complimentary tickets provided by Ausbuild to the RBWH Foundation’s Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital initiative.

Ausbuild Joint Managing Director Matthew Bell says Mateo’s story is a reminder of the impact Redcliffe Hospital has on local families.

“We are proud to support Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital alongside the Dolphins. This initiative gives us the opportunity to share stories like Mateo’s and to say thank you to the hospital teams who make a difference every day,” Mr Bell says.

“Mateo’s strength, and the strength of his family, is nothing short of inspiring. We hope the Dolphins experiences were moments they will never forget.”

Mateo lives with his mother and four siblings in Boondall. It has been a difficult year for the family.

Two of Mateo’s siblings have also required medical treatment - one for meningioma, a tumour affecting the brain and spinal cord, and the other for serious eye surgery.

Mateo’s grandmother, Cheryl, is an Emergency Department nurse who splits her time between Redcliffe Hospital and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske says Mateo’s Dolphins experiences show the power of community connection.

“Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital is about celebrating the people and stories behind the hospital,” Ms Garske says.

“Thanks to the support of Ausbuild and the Dolphins, we can bring joy to families like Mateo’s and raise awareness for life-changing care at Redcliffe Hospital.”

Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital was Ausbuild's community partner for the Dolphins’ clash against Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium. A total of 150 guests attended the match for free, thanks to Ausbuild.

To learn more or to donate, visit raiseitforredcliffe.com.au