Nathan Stapleton, also known as "Stapo," is not just a fighter but also an exceptional father who the community has been rallying behind. Despite facing immense tragedy and heartbreak, Nathan's story is one of courage, love, and hope.
Once a happily married, carefree dad expecting his second child, Nathan's life took a drastic turn when he was pronounced dead and later diagnosed as quadriplegic. Despite the challenges, Nathan and his family persevered, and on September 4th, he will celebrate being a father to two wonderful young boys.
Nathan Stapleton is well-known, especially to Rugby League fans. Hailing from Deepwater, NSW, the 32-year-old had a successful stint with the Cronulla Sharks from 2009 to 2014, scoring 17 tries in 61 appearances in various positions.
After retiring from professional sports, Nathan married his partner Kate, and they moved to rural NSW to live on a farm, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child.
However, tragedy struck on April 9th of this year when Nathan, playing his first game for the Boorowa Goldies country club, suffered a severe injury, breaking his neck and damaging his spinal cord. He was declared dead on the pitch for 16 minutes until off-duty nurse Louise McCabe revived him and stabilized him until the ambulance arrived.
Despite initial concerns of brain damage, Nathan woke up with his mental faculties intact but paralysed from the shoulders down. Just weeks after the accident, Kate gave birth to their second child, Angus, with Nathan by her side, thanks to the exceptional care provided by the medical teams at Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Women.
“No one wants to be where I’m sitting but at the end of the day there's so much to look forward to,” says Nathan. “I’ve got a beautiful wife, I’ve got two beautiful boys and I’m blessed I can still be there for them.”
David Lazarus and Elsa Barbosa of Port AdVenture Cruises in Port Macquarie were deeply touched by Nathan and his family's story after watching their interview on Nine Now A Current Affair. Inspired to help, they organised a fundraising initiative with the support of local businesses.
Together, they assembled an impressive raffle package with prizes ranging from accommodation stays to collectible NRL memorabilia and local experiences like visits to Billabong Zoo, Cassegrain Winery, Majestic Cinema, and even a helicopter ride. The fundraiser kicked off during a live performance by cover band Eric Grothe and the Gurus, featuring special guest Mark "Spud" Carroll, known for his rugby league career playing for teams like the Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and the Australian national team.
Read more about how Port AdVenture Cruises supported Nathan on Brilliant-Online here.
About Port AdVenture Cruises, Port Macquarie
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Our cruises along the Hastings River make for a unique and captivating experience with each passing season and the beautiful changes in the scenery along the river. We also offer Private Parties with personalized service, catering to up to 150 guests. You have the freedom to choose your own catering and entertainment, ensuring a truly memorable event.
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