Tom Nash Foundation

Tom Nash at the 'Lunch with A Legend' fundraiser with his mother and Lunch organiser, Rod Bosman.

Tom learned to walk again and is now set to achieve his goal of independence

Tom Nash Foundation

Early in 2001, only months after completing his HSC at Newington, Old Boy Tom Nash contracted the virulent meningococcal disease, which strikes without warning and often brings death within hours. Its trademark rash attacks relentlessly, savaging the skin and extremities in particular. In desperate attempts to save him, Tom gradually had each of his legs, then each arm amputated.

Miraculously, Tom survived - but in one so young the combination of all four amputations, especially his arms, makes Tom one of most severely affected patients in the Western world.

Yet against these odds – and battling severe pain, ongoing skin grafts and loss of balance after being horizontal for months – Tom learned to walk again and is now set to achieve his goal of independence.

To meet his new state of being Tom has found a new state of mind. The encouragement from family and friends, says Tom, "gives me the willpower to continue". He has discovered an inner strength and courage that is an inspiration to the boys at his old school, as the 'Do It 4 Tom' Netball game v PLC Sydney, organised by the Year 12 Leaders 2002, demonstrated.

The Old Boys, past and current parents, staff and students of Newington College feel the obligation to Tom to help keep him inspired toward his future goals. To assist him the College has established the 'Tom Nash Foundation', and registered the Fund with the Australian Tax Office, making donations tax deductible.

The Foundation is managed by a multi-skilled board including the Headmaster, the Chairman of Council, the School Chaplains, legal and financial representatives from the Newington community as appropriate and the Director of Development.

The Foundation aims to provide assistance to Tom in the longer term and in the transition stage from hospital discharge, which will require significant resources. The goal is for Tom to be able to live independently with carer support and return to university studies.

Along with his family and friends, the Newington community and beyond have been stunned by his tragic circumstances and moved by Tom's determination to overcome adversity.

Tom with his parents and Chaplain Rev Dr Rod Mitchell (left), attending the special Lunch held at Parliament House, Sydney, in June 2002.

Donating to the Tom Nash Foundation is a practical way to show Tom that his positive memories of Newington mean he is very much part of the wide Newington family.

In 140 years Newington has never been called upon to help an Old Newingtonian facing such challenges as Tom Nash.

If you would like to help give Tom the opportunity of an independent life download a Donation Form

Every donation will make a difference in assisting Tom now and in his future. Please give generously.

A big motivator for Tom as he began his recovery was his desire to walk into the Launch of the Tom Nash Foundation on his own.

Australian Story Interview, ABC TV – 9 June '03

ABC Radio interview – 3 Feb '03

Further Links:

www.health.nsw.gov.au

Meningococcal fact sheet