‘Whoever we reached out to, nobody said no’
By Mark Squibb | Vol. 12 No. 20 (October 3, 2019)
The Southern Shore is rallying together to raise funds for a young man known for his dedication, work ethic, and friendly personality.
Several volunteers helping fundraise at the Tors Cove Dance on Sept. 20. From left to right are Gladys Hayden, Leanne Hayden, and Brenda Hayden. Submitted photo
Andrew Coombs, 19, suffered a fractured vertebra while swimming on July 13. It left him paralysed from the shoulders down. Due to the severity of the injury and the limited care available in Newfoundland and Labrador, Coombs has to attend an out-of-province care facility for rehabilitation.
Across the Southern Shore, friends, family, and strangers are coming together to raise funds for Coombs in any way they can, ranging from ticket draws, dances, sports tournaments, skeet shoots, and more to help with the costs associated with travel for treatment and the equipment needed to accommodate his needs.
At Baltimore School in Ferryland, where Coombs’ graduated as Valedictorian in 2017, students and staff passed a hat and raised $930.50. A skeet shore organized by several of Coombs’ friends raised $510. Baseball and soccer teams have donated to Matthew’s Movement, while donations have poured into an account at the Witless Bay Community Credit Union.
A dinner, dance and live auction is scheduled for Nov. 22, with a 50/50 draw promising a maximum payout of $30,000.
‘We’ve had a lot of people come forward to help us in our fundraising efforts,” said Paula Battcock, a family friend and one of the organisers of Andrew’s Movement, the umbrella fundraising campaign. “It’s very overwhelming. But as a small community, we’re not surprised. The Southern Shore is known for stepping up and helping people when needed. Whoever we reached out to, nobody said no to us. They helped us the best that they could… We have had phenomenal support. We’re speechless at times.”
Coombs was in the third year of a mechanical engineering program at Memorial University and producing marks at the top of his class when the accident occurred.
After the accident, Coombs, had to relearn to breath on his own, even regain his ability to speak and eat solid food again. His positive attitude has helped him attain some movement back in his fingers and lower shoulder muscles. Despite the challenges, Coombs has since taken time to post a message on facebook thanking everyone for their support and encouragement.
“I cannot express how grateful I am for all the support I have received in these past few months,” Coombs said. “All the donations, fundraising, cards, messages, visits, prayers and other kind gestures will never go unnoticed. It is this support which keeps me positive and motivated through this tough period of my life.”
Coombs’ many friends and relatives, scattered throughout the region, are not surprised by his positive attitude.
“He is a fine young man,” Battcock said. “He’s a fabulous, fabulous young man. Hard working, dedicated, very bright, family-oriented.”
