Hills Bulls’ new mascot Eli Hagar proves a massive hit with his junior club mates
ELI Hagar had the time of his life when he was inducted as the mascot for the Hills Bulls under-16 rugby league team last Saturday with his family overwhelmed by the club’s support and empathy.
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ELI Hagar had the time of his life when he was inducted as the mascot for the Hills Bulls under-16 rugby league team on Saturday with his family overwhelmed by the club’s support and empathy.
The three-year-old Schofields boy, who was born with Barth Syndrome — cardiomyopathy is one aspect of his condition — was presented with the team jersey before running on with the players.
He was also a part of the team singing, making his parents Elissa and Rodney and twin sisters Ede and Ivy feel they were part of the Hills Bulls family.
“Eli had such a great time he was crying when we had to go,” Elissa said.
“It was amazing how the players and their families welcomed us and made us feel at home.”
Eli is now being fed through a G-Tube in his stomach, instead of the NG tube which was on his face.
The Hills Bulls raised $4,000 for Eli’s ongoing medical care at a recent event at The Ettamogah Hotel, Kellyville Ridge, and importantly helped his parents to create awareness for the rare condition their son suffers from.
The Hills Bulls juniors have so taken up with his smiles and courage during their recent fundraiser at The Ettamogah Hotel, that they decided to make him one of their own.
The four-year-old Schofields boy — who will have to live with cardiomyopathy which is disease of the heart muscle — has begun walking after weekly physio sessions but he needs constant care from his parents Elissa and Rodney and medical staff.
The local community have continued to support the young family who also welcomed twins Ede and Ivy last year.
“He is now speaking and loves to sing and chat,” his mum Elissa said.
“We continue to attend physio to help strengthen his muscles in order to become more independent.
“Eli has been attending feeding clinics to help with his eating.
“He has made some small improvements with eating, however, swallowing is still a hurdle we are yet to overcome.
“Eli’s heart function did deteriorate late last year but at our last cardiology appointment things were looking good.
“He loves spends big time with the twins and is enjoying being the ‘big’ brother now while he is still physically bigger than them.
“It won’t be much longer and the girls will be bigger than him.”
Mrs Hagar said the they were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of all those who attended the fundraiser at the Ettamogah.
“We like to sincerely thank everyone involved in the night: Glenn Smith, Jim Taggart, Scott Gibbons, Mick Meredith and the Hills Bulls,” Mrs Hagar said.
“We could not believe the outstanding bids that were donated throughout the auction.
“The generous donations received on the night will ensure Eli receives the specialised care he requires to thrive.”
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