The Wyong Lions Club is hosting a fundraiser to support Darian Furner and his family after a series of devastating events. Lifelong Central Coast locals, Darian and Emma Furner, along with their three sons, Freddie (6), Arlo (5), and Humphrey (2), faced an extremely challenging year in 2023.
Early in 2023, the family had to evacuate their home due to uncontrollable structural issues, leading to its demolition. Their insurance did not cover the costs, leaving them in a dire financial situation.
In October, while in Papua New Guinea for work as a professional NRL Referee, Darian suffered a brain bleed and was rushed to a local hospital. After being medically evacuated to Australia, he underwent weeks of testing and multiple surgeries, including a craniotomy to biopsy a unique brain tumour. Complications from these surgeries have significantly impacted Darian's ability to function, affecting his gait, eyesight, motor function and coordination. He has since undergone intensive rehabilitation and started radiation treatment, which is expected to have severe ongoing effects.
Amidst this medical crisis, their home is being demolished and rebuilt, adding to their immense emotional and financial burdens. The family now faces these challenges while caring for their young boys and coping with the uncertainty of Darian's future as an NRL referee.
The raffle will be drawn on this night.