GREG BAGGOTT: One man, one night, $30,000

Greg Baggott was moved to the point of tears at the support from 526 people at the Men of League charity dinner on Saturday night.

Although all the final amount has yet to be determined, late yesterday organisers said it exceeded $30,000.

“It was a fantastic night,” Greg said.

“It was overwhelming and the atmosphere was great.”

The father-of-seven said words couldn’t describe his appreciation at the masssive display of support.

“I want to thank all the businesses who donated items and everyone involved,” the former Manly Sea Eagles player said.

Greg said he’d been “astounded” by the generosity of the community as a whole – those he knows and those he doesn’t.

“It is hard to describe the heartfelt thanks I have to everyone involved on behalf of my whole family,” he said.

Guests were entertained by singer Megan Longhurst, who lost her father Tony to motor neurone disease about three years ago.

Megan and her mother Lisa, who have benefitted from the Men of League’s goal of helping members of “the rugby league family” in their times of need, were among the special guests.

Former Great Britain hard man and Manly star Malcolm Reilly headed up the rugby league royalty which included Port Macquarie’s own Harry Wells, who was last year named as one of Australia’s top 100 players last year.

Organiser Peter Collins said the real highlight of the evening was Greg’s speech.

“When he spoke the crowd really sat up and paid attention,” Peter said.

“The cheering and clapping for him at the end was really something special.

“It really was a happy and uplifting night.”

Greg himself paid tribute Wells for encouraging him to accept the Men of League’s generosity.

Mr Collins paid tribute to Gerry Byron, Peter Murray, Jim Swift and “all the Port crew” who made the night such a success.

“Everyone worked their butts off all night and thanks really has to go out to all them,” he said.

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