Heathmont Football Club is doing its best to help after the death of player Simon Minson

SIMON Minson gave everything he could for the Heathmont Football Club.

Now the Jets are giving everything they have for him.

The 22-year-old fell ill last week while travelling with friends in Vietnam.

He was transferred to Bangkok, his family joined him there as his condition deteriorated, and he died yesterday.

Minson had cystic fibrosis, which prevented him from obtaining travel insurance for his trip.

As a result, the Minson family is facing medical bills of about $100,000.

Heathmont president Rob Parker said the club was in mourning.

“‘Simmo’ was a big part of our club,” he said.

“From when he stepped up into the seniors, he just wanted to be part of footy. Part of the footy club. One of the boys.

“He was very lightly built and had trouble breathing at times. Some nights at training he couldn’t even run on to the oval.

“You just loved having him around the club.”

“‘Simmo’ was a big part of our club. From when he stepped up into the seniors, he just wanted to be part of footy. Part of the footy club. One of the boys.” — Heathmont president Rob Parker

Parker said the club felt the need to contribute.

“We sat down and thought we’d raise a little bit of money for the family to try and cover some expenses,” he said.

“Since then we’ve found out they’ve got some huge medical costs. We want to up the ante a little more.

“It’s not just a little fundraiser for the footy club anymore. We just want people to contribute in any way they can.

“The last thing the family should need to worry about is financial stuff.”

The football club has launched an online fundraising drive, which has raised more than $14,000 in a day, and is holding a fundraising night at its H.E. Parker Reserve home next Friday, September 12, at 7pm.

Parker said Minson would always be missed.

“He was always smiling, and always really positive about life,” he said.

“That’s what’s hit hard to a lot of people. He just got on with life. He was just Simon.

“As you saw him, that’s what you got.”

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