We dedicate this annual report to the following VIPs who have passed away in 2024 Jim, Evelyn and grandsons Patrick and Ryan. Michael Girling-Butcher. JIM CAMPBELL 25/06/1951 – 5/12/24 (Injured in 1975) Jim loved the coast and the Tararua Ranges; he travelled the country, connecting with locals, discovering new places and sharing his art. Being a wheelchair user after his rugby injury at 24 years young did not limit Jim’s love of painting. His art gallery and exhibitions were marvellous. You may see one of his pieces and remember our friend. Our love goes out to his wife, Evelyn; his daughter, Jodie; his son-in-law, Justin; and his grandchildren, Patrick and Ryan. MICHAEL GIRLINGBUTCHER 15/10/1958 – 16/11/2024 (Injured in 1988) A cherished brother to Susan, Nicholas, Joanna and Rosemary and a beloved father to Rachel and Martin. We are thankful to have known Mike, his greatest support Robyn, friends and support workers. Injured only weeks after the birth of his first child, life dealt Mike many curves. Thirty years on, his daughter followed in his teaching footsteps, and Mike became a voice for the disability community of Palmerston North. His work is not forgotten: “We need to be viewed for our skills, not the disability we live with.” MGB. Alan Boyd with his niece and grandnephew. ALAN BOYD 18/06/1955 – 23/06/2024 (Injured in 1986) Alan loved his family and rugby. After his accident, he was still a part of Wellington Rugby. He loved the rugby season and watching the Hurricanes at the Cake Tin. He was a much-loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Patricia, Erin Walecki, Margaret & Chris Crawford, Chris & Cathy, and Stephen were extraordinary supporters of Alan through the years, and his band of “team Alan” carers took the utmost care of Alan and brightened his day. A part of the Centurions memorial to Alan: “The injury suffered by Alan and other players was the call to action for administrators of our game to change the rules of our game to provide greater safety for front row players in scrums. It also led to removing a competitive points table in the President’s grade and to “Presidents Day”, in which all President’s teams came together once a year to play near each other to celebrate rugby and show their support for our VIPs.” 2 ANNUAL REPORT 2024
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