A family photograph of Lui.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 months since the tragic loss of Lui Polimeni and there is not a day goes by that he is not in the thoughts of his family and our community.

Lui had a fantastic life for the short time he was here. He loved the farm, his motorbike, his job, his footy and most of all his family and friends. Lui was a young man with huge potential on and off the sports field.  Lui was a rogue and cherished his mullet.

Gino, Jenny and Joey will never fully recover although they are still overwhelmed and grateful for the huge amount of love and support they feel from Jugiong and the wider community.

Recently Jen and Mark from the Jugiong Motel held a mega raffle to support Lui’s number 13 cow to walk over the Harbour bridge for The Herd of Hope campaign . Lui’s cow will be sponsored by the Jugiong and surrounding community and has raised just under $11,000.00.

This would not be possible without the generosity from local businesses, sponsors and  individuals.

Megan McLoughlan from South Australia is the driving force behind The Herd of Hope venture. Megan is a double transplant recipient and can see the gap in the system for rural and regional support services to transplant recipients and donor families. She would like to see a similar style of care to breast care nurses who visit the homes of the affected families. She feels through looking after the donor families it will send a positive message and encourage more organ donors.

The money raised through Herd of Hope and Lui’s number 13 cow will assist in making this happen. The Polimeni’s can see that this regional organ transplant care service would make a huge difference to families not knowing what services are available to them at such a difficult time.

At this stage The Herd of Hope is still going through a process with the Roads minister to get it approved for the cattle to cross the Harbour Bridge. It is hoped to go ahead in October. To keep up to date follow Herd of Hope on facebook.

Gino Jenny and Joey wish to thank everyone for your prayers and on-going support and thoughts for their family and for remembering Lui.