A fundraiser for a stalwart of the Berkeley Vale Soccer Club has raised over $10,000 and counting.
Kevin Goldsworthy has been coaching at the club for the past 15 years and is known for his generous spirit and dedication to the kids playing the game.
Affectionately known as ‘Big Kev’ by clubies, Goldsworthy suffered a stroke in February.
After a long stint in hospital, he’s now on the mend, but his sudden illness has left the self-employed painter struggling financially, prompting fellow Club Committee member and longtime friend, Tricia Pannell, to create the fundraiser.
“Kev is the man who has always had the gift of giving and the biggest heart, especially when it came to kids.
“Kev would give a child the money to grab a bottle of water when they’d forgotten one for their game, or sneak a gold coin for some lollies from the canteen.
“He was the first one to jump in when we have done fundraising for others that have needed it within our awesome football community.
“Kev gave his all to football and those who played the game we all love.
“It is so heart warming hearing so many stories of how Kev has helped so many people over the years and it feels like it’s time that we gave back to one of our own,” Tricia said.
As of May 18, the fundraiser was sitting at $10,900 of its $20,000 goal, and Tricia said she and the Goldsworthy family were blown away by the generosity of locals.
“I personally want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far.
“This money is helping Kev and his family in so many ways.
“We know people are doing it tough right now thanks to COVID-19, but seeing the community come together like this amid a pandemic is beautiful,” Tricia said.
The fundraiser has also been shared more than 1,400 times, further solidifying the generous spirit of the Central Coast community in Tricia’s eyes.
The fundraiser is entitled CC Football Community, Help Kevin Goldsworthy, and is live on the Go Fund Me website for anyone wishing to donate or share it.
Tricia said Kev was recovering well and that any help would be appreciated.
“Kev is transitioning to living in the real world again and he has a lot of rehabilitation ahead of him, but we are seeing the Big Kev we all know and love progressively coming back,” Tricia said.
Source:
Website, May 18
Go Fund Me
Interview, May 18
Tricia Pannell, Berkeley Vale Soccer Club
Reporter: Dilon Luke