Official Clint Elford

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Dying Sharks fan makes $1.5m vowDaily Telegraph, AustraliaBy Phil Rothfield and Rebecca Wilson A YOUNG Cronulla fan with a terminal illness has pledged $1.5 million of his savings and life insurance to the financially struggling club. The 28-year-old, who lives in Goulburn and refuses to be identified, ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25632166-5001023,00.html

Dying Sharks fan makes $1.5m vow
By Phil Rothfield and Rebecca Wilson
June 14, 2009 12:00am

A YOUNG Cronulla fan with a terminal illness has pledged $1.5 million of his savings and life insurance to the financially struggling club.

The 28-year-old, who lives in Goulburn and refuses to be identified, has set up the Beyond Sharks Foundation and has made donations of $30,000 this year.

The money has been spent on team camps and football equipment. Out-going chief executive Tony Zappia has revealed the story of incredible generosity and says he will hand over details of the fan's offer to chairman Barry Pierce next week.

"It is an incredible offer from a young fella who just adores the Sharks,'' Zappia said.

He has signed over everything to the club from when he dies, which is probably 12 to 18 months away.

The money will go into the Beyond Sharks Foundation and will be used for things like ground improvements and better facilities for fans. It has all been done in the strictest privacy because the guy didn't want any publicity at all.

 

[RisingUp]

Dying Sharks fan vows $1.5m

This is a amazing generosity.. I think the Sharks should name their southern stand in honour of this bloke, or do something to show their appreciation.

 

[sandman77]

wow this is amazing

 

[ROB SHARK]

I read this, this morning and thought that was just a geniune sharks fan wanting to see his beloved club stay alive.

Rising up i agree the club should do something in the honour of this bloke.

absolute champion.

 

[Bungy]

This bloke is a legend.

 

[Henchmann]

Mate, if you’re on or read this forum, as a Sharks supporter - thank you for this generous donation.

Non footy people may not understand why you wish to donate such an amount, but people whose lives are devoted to supporting this Club appreciate why. I hope the team brings you some happiness and excitement while you’re doing it tough; you are a true Sharks supporter.

I too agree the club must do something to properly recognise this supporter’s generosity and commitment; maybe we can put our thinking caps on and come up with some ideas? The club must also ask the media not to pursue this person so there privacy can be respected.

 

[Mr Wright]

HOLY CRAP! What a genorous bloke. I think the sharkies should put his name on their jersey next year im memory of him or something. Name a stand or something at Shark Park after him.

 

[mjef3966]

This is a amazing generosity.. I think the Sharks should name their southern stand in honour of this bloke, or do something to show their appreciation.

win a premiership in his name!! maybe the Barry can pass on all our thanks?

 

[moruya shark]

Adversity brings out the best in people... what selfless generosity ! I agree that a stand or something should be named after this champion bloke !!

 

[stormshark]

Mate, if you’re on or read this forum, as a Sharks supporter - thank you for this generous donation.

Non footy people may not understand why you wish to donate such an amount, but people whose lives are devoted to supporting this Club appreciate why. I hope the team brings you some happiness and excitement while you’re doing it tough; you are a true Sharks supporter.

I too agree the club must do something to properly recognise this supporter’s generosity and commitment; maybe we can put our thinking caps on and come up with some ideas? The club must also ask the media not to pursue this person so there privacy can be respected.

Well said! Unbelievable offer, glad it will be put into lasting facilities. If this cant motivate Players, Officials and General supporters i don't know what will!

 

[sharkarm]

I am proud to say that i was born and bred in Goulburn and the act of generosity that this guy is showing is just mind blowing WOW, i will try to find out who he is :cheers

 

[BackRowMadness]

I hope the team bus swings by Goulburn on the way done to Canberra today and picks this legend up to watch the game today if he is well enough. And every home game should be dedicated to him and he should be chueffured to every game for the rest of his life. On ya mate. I had tears in my eyes reading that story. What a true fan. I hope the media fools don't try and twist this into something its not.

 

[Capital_Shark]

I am proud to say that i was born and bred in Goulburn and the act of generosity that this guy is showing is just mind blowing WOW, i will try to find out who he is :cheers

Did ya read the article, bud? The bloke doesn't want people finding out who he is. Leave him be. The more people who know who he is, the greater the chances those blood sucking journalists will find out. I'd imagine this guy can think of better ways to spend his remaining time other than jawing on to the likes of Tracey Grimshaw, Weidler and the rest of the d!ckheads.

Nothing more I can add as to what a generous offer this is from a true Sharkies fan as I think the others have put it pretty damn well.

I agree something should be done by the Club as a lasting tribute to this bloke. Sounds like this fella prefers to remain outside the limelight, so it may need to be a little more low-key than some suggestions, but I'm sure between the Club and our unnamed champion something can be decided on to honor him.

 

[gosharks]

this guy is true fan

although a lasting tribute for this guy is great idea i think the sharks should get him down for a couple games give him the chance to hang out with players after these games, give this guy something before he dies to let him know his genorisity is appreciated

 

[Shark68]

NEWS FLASH - ZAPPIA IN TROUBLE AGAIN

NEWS FLASH SHARKS IN STRIFE AGAIN just came up on channel 7 to be on news @ 6.00

have we run over a china man or what

 

[hitman124]

f*ck me dead, what could it be............

Buster got on the sauce last night and...?

 

[stevow76]

what now? , seems every time we try to take a step forward someone tryin to kick us down again

 

[Shark68]

what now? , seems every time we try to take a step forward someone tryin to kick us down again

your not wrong

 

[ROB SHARK]

**** me dead, is this a gee up?
**** channel 7 its probably some bull**** story, we won again yet the win will be overshadowed by some off-field controversy. Talk about the positives for our club rarther than bag us about off-field crap.

 

[blacky]

what the f--- one step forward two steps back i'm sick of the media i swear theirs a conspiracy to try and kill us off .