So they thought the best thing that they could do was to  get their  school to hold a fundraiser to support the Newcastle Knights player and his family in this tough time.  

Much to their surprise their teacher and principal thought it was a great idea and planning started for Alex McKinnon Day held on Friday. 

Dylan and Eli’s initiative was admired from a far with news station NBN visiting the school to do a segement on the boys efforts. 

Students were encouraged to wear their favourite football club jerseys to school whether that’s on the big stage or their own local team in return for a gold coin donation. 

In total $400 was fundraised from a barbecue lunch and activities. 

To celebrate the day the school had a special assembly and the students played a League Tag  tournament to finish school on the Friday. 

Christian College prinicipal Michael Gauldie, in his speech to the students on Friday, said that the day was not about focusing on Alex’s injury or dangers of rugby league players but to celebrate life and activities that promote healthy lifestyles.  

“Alex is an insipiration to us all and I  commend him for his resilience and that of his family,” he said. 

“The message that we take from these events is that we need not wrap ourselves in cotton wool as most worthwhile activities involve risk in one form or another. 

“Rather, we should consider the risk involved in a particular activity, prepare for these, and live life to the full. ”