Cult hero donates cherished Origin item in moving act
On the eve of State of Origin, former Queensland star PJ Marsh has produced an incredible gesture that should make players from both teams proud.
A talented hooker/half who played over 150 NRL games for the Eels, Warriors and Broncos in the 2000s, Marsh also played four games for Queensland.
Now a coal miner in central Queensland, his most prized possession is his Maroons jersey – but when he heard of a family friend’s life-threatening illness, he donated the jersey to charity, raising over $5000.
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One of Marsh’s colleagues at the Glencore mining company has a son who was diagnosed with a rare brain condition and had a range of complex medical conditions since birth including Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia.
When Marsh learned of his condition, he took action.
“To hear his story – no one will ever understand what the family has been through,” Marsh said.
“I was asked if I could donate some clothing from the brand I own for a fundraiser being held onsite. I thought, I can do better than that. I’ve got something special that will get good money.”
And that’s when Marsh donated his cherished debut Origin jumper.
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“This is my area, central Queensland,” he said.
“I’m happy to do it. It’s a passion of mine to help people.”
The ‘Dig for Brody’ raffle and auction raised $92,000 for the family, with PJ’s jersey fetching $5,000 after Sam, a co-worker on his drill and blast crew, placed the winning bid.
His act of generosity is what football is all about – well done PJ!
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