Neville Auld , the former Mudgee Dragons outside back, contracted a kidney disease back in 1992. A Rugby League tragic, Neville played also played for the Mudgee Tigers, the Molong Bulls, Gulgong Terriers and was forced to retire from the Game after developing kidney disease.
He was initially able to contain the virus through medication, diet and by drinking 8 litres of water per day. This short term solution lasted 12 years.
His kidney finally collapsed in 2003 and since then he has needed 20 hours per week of kidney dialysis to flush his blood out. This got him through the last five years as he awaited a compatible donor for a kidney transplant.
Earlier this year, Neville’s sister Suzanne discovered she was compatible and made a selfless and life saving commitment to her brother. Suzanne agreed to donate her kidney and the operations took place at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital in September this year.
Due to the dialysis, Neville has only been able to work part-time at Big W in Orange for the past five years and the recent operation has kept him away from work for the past three months. He is awaiting approvals from his doctor and Big W before he can get back to work but he is hopeful he will get there before June 2009 and he believes he will be able to manage full time work.
Neville’s wife Arlene has also been unable to work as she cares for Neville and their two children Lucinda (15 years) and Dylan (12 years) who has autism.
The Foundation was able to support Neville while he was in Sydney, paying for the family’s accommodation while he was in hospital and were able to donate food vouchers for both Neville and Suzanne.
Suzanne has recovered after her very generous donation and is now back at work. Neville and his family are extremely appreciative of the support from the Foundation. We wish him all the best for the future and a better life.