THE Denman - and rugby league - community dug deep into their pockets to help one of their own on Saturday night.
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Reserve grade captain-coach Jackson Ball suffered a serious spinal injury while playing for the Devils against the Murrurundi Mavericks in Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League last month.
Now, back home, the 22-year-old Mangoola Rural Fire Brigade volunteer firefighter is facing a long road to recovery and retraining himself to walk again.
And, while he's received plenty of assistance and comfort from family and friends, a comedy fundraiser was hosted at The Denman Hotel at the weekend to support his and partner Teegan Roberts' financial needs during the healing process.
That function alone - featuring Christina Van Look, Michele Betts, Peter Green, Dale Hiser, Sean Morahan, Gary Bradbury and Rob Andrews - resulted in a windfall in excess of $10,000.
"I'd just like to say a massive, and I mean massive, thanks to everyone who came to the comedy show," said Ball, who's been overawed by the locals' generosity.
"A special thank-you must go to The Denman Hotel's Brett and Lyndall Hejduk for everything they did.
"Then there's Rona, from the restaurant, for the food she supplied all the tables.
"It would be remiss of me to not acknowledge Steve Andrews, who organised most of the night.
"You are truly a legend and I appreciate it so much.
"I'd also like to express my gratitude to Michelle and Brady for spending the afternoon setting up the venue, as well as Jeanette Travers for being the photographer.
"To Steve and Ashleigh Reynolds, you guys did so much to help prior to the night.
"Last, but not least, Rob Andrews and the other comedians - you were fantastic.
"Thanks, again, to everyone who attended.
"I hope you all had a great night."