Radiate Band will be holding a fund-raiser to support their friend Matt Lewis. Back, from left: James Peden, Ben Mawdsley and Dane Mawdsley. Front: Kakra Peden and Renelo Peque.By Lilly O’Gorman
PAKENHAM has been inspired by the courage of Matt Lewis and his positive outlook after he was severely injured in an accident last year.
Two fund-raisers organised by friends and even people who had just heard Matt’s story and wanted to lend a hand, will raise funds for the 24-year-old who suffered injuries in a chemical explosion.
Renelo Peque, met Matt through Pakenham Christian Church where they were both members of the church band.
Just last year Matt was holding a fund-raising concert for the Cancer Council in support of a young girl Mikayla Francis from Cockatoo who was battling cancer.
Now Radiate Band, Renelo’s new group featuring members from Pakenham and Berwick, will hold a concert on Saturday 28 July to support Matt.
Renelo said Matt was an inspiration to others who had experienced trauma.
“Matt’s got such a positive attitude about everything,” Renelo said.
“Before the accident he was happy go lucky easygoing guy, and now he is getting back to where he used to be, which is amazing. He is such an encouragement to people.”
Renelo said he hoped to raise funds to go towards a new wheelchair for Matt.
“Basically it is to support his needs and give him some independence as a fellow musician and friend from church.”
Unlike Renelo, Wendy Goldsack didn’t know Matt before the accident, but after reading his story in the Gazette, was compelled to help.
The Matt Lewis Fund-raiser will be held on 27 October at the Berwick Leisure Centre featuring appearances from Collingwood and Melbourne football players, performances from AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck, dinner, a silent auction, raffles and more.
Ms Goldsack is hoping to sell 450 tickets to the event, to raise funds towards a specially modified vehicle for Matt.
“Unfortunately Matt will not receive any financial support as this was a backyard accident,” she said.
“He had the world at his fee … and is a very motivated and positive guy.”
For more information about the Radiate Band fundraiser, email admin@renelopeque.com
For details on the Matt Lewis Fundraiser call Wendy Goldsack on 0408 035 568
Or to purchase tickets call Jeni Matheson at 4Cs Crisis Relief Centre Pakenham
on 5941 2268.
