Young boy will be a Mountaineers fan for life

Toowoomba Mountaineers do their part to help young boy gain confidence and self belief.

SPECIAL HONOUR: Jake Wisley and his mother Wendy Moss are regulars at the Toowoomba Mountaineers home games. The QBL side recently presented Jake with a signed jersey acknowledging his support and passion. Picture: Nev Madsen

BASKETBALL: Jake Wisley is a step closer to his dream of playing for the Toowoomba Mountaineers.

Last Friday the QBL side made a special presentation to the 13-year-old, giving him a Mountaineers hoodie and signed jersey.

Wisley, who is on the autism spectrum and has anxiety issues, is arguably the Mountaineers' biggest fan and the presentation almost bought his mother Wendy Moss to tears.

"Years ago I bought a ball and starting teaching Jake how to play basketball in a local park," she said.

"It's the happiest I have ever seen him. He told me he loved it and it became an outlet for him - it was a way for him to make friends at school and help him overcome some of his anxiety issues.

"When he first saw the Mountaineers he instantly loved them - he's been a fan ever since that day."

Jake is welcomed into the Mountaineers family by (from back left) chairman John Gouldson, Kimberlee Wilson, Taylor Valach, Kaila Gabriel, Despena Dickerson and Tracey Russell. Picture: Nev Madsen

Recently Wendy made contact with the Mountaineers in the hope they could help her reward a boy she describes as her "little hero".

"A little while ago I had a hypoglycemic episode at home - I was passing in and out of consciousness," Wendy said.

"Jake rang the ambulance and he followed all their instructions. I don't know if I'd be here if wasn't for him and the ambulance - he's my hero.

"I contacted the Mountaineers and told them about Jake and they were fantastic.

"They invited us to the game and gave us the full VIP treatment. Seeing the joy in Jake when they gave him the jersey is the greatest gift of all - it's something he will never forget.

"I can't thank them enough - the way they treat Jake is something special - he's like part of their family."

Mountaineers chairman John Gouldson said it was an equally special moment for the QBL organisation.

"The players love Jake," Gouldson said.

"It's been wonderful watching his confidence and belief in himself grow.

"We're glad we have been able to help him - it means a lot to everyone involved."

Originally published as Young boy will be a Mountaineers fan for life