Dying dad sees wish come true

Fraser McRobie with wife Deidre and twins Douglas and Annabelle, 9, at Hillcrest Normal School. Photo / Stephen Barker

School gets new cricket nets thanks to a determined father's drive.

A terminally ill father of five saw his wish come true with the installation of new cricket nets at his son's school.

Keen cricketer Fraser McRobie began fundraising to build new nets at Hillcrest Normal School in Hamilton.

Then McRobie became gravely ill with motor neurone disease, and the company hired to install the nets went bankrupt.

Undaunted, McRobie continued to raise money for the project even as his illness progressed. Another local dad, Simon Cavanagh, applied for funding through the ANZ Grant Scheme hoping the nets could be up in time for McRobie to see them. The school received the funds last week, and despite his declining health, McRobie attended a ceremony to see the nets opened. "I was brought to tears with them thanking me, but I wasn't the only one involved - a big thanks to all the people who are currently involved," McRobie said.

The project's success was a fitting end to New Zealand cricket's golden summer, just days after Brendon McCullum hit a record triple century and led his team to test series victory against India.

Like countless Kiwi dads, McRobie was glued to the screen during McCullum's innings. "I think he looked even more proud than Brendon McCullum's own father," wife Deidre said.

Their sports-mad children are beginning to show promise. Cameron, 17, has just earned selection to New Zealand's under-18 lacrosse squad and Angus, 15, Lachlan, 12, and twins Douglas and Annabelle, 9, are active in cricket, squash and cycling.

"I love children doing sport as it helps build focus, communication, team building and goal setting - all things that have helped me achieve my goals in my life," McRobie said.

David Hisco, ANZ chief executive, said: "The McRobies are the sort of Kiwi family who get right behind their community, even while raising five children and dealing with extremely difficult circumstances."

Motor neurone diseases are progressive disorders that destroy motor neurons, which control muscle activity.