Friends organise pub fundraiser to support farmer Glenn in his brain tumour fight

Helensburgh and district locals raised almost $8300 in two hours in a massive show of support for Glenbernie Orchard farmer Glenn Fahey.

Glenn was recently diagnosed with an advanced Grade 4 Glioblastoma brain tumour.

The community fundraiser – hosted by Darkes Forest Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade and Helensburgh Hotel (aka Centennial Hotel) – was held on Friday, February 27 and drew hundreds of 2508 residents. The total raised was $8285.

Funds will go directly to the Fahey family to help with Glenn’s ongoing medical expenses and care.

The evening event included a visit from a Fire and Rescue NSW Station 325 Helensburgh truck and crew, as well as meat raffles, and speeches from members of the Fahey family, including Glenn’s daughter Casey. Glenn’s mother Ruth, brother Roger, and grandson Callum also attended the fundraiser. (Glenn was unable to attend due to his health, following doctor's orders to avoid a big public event.)

One of Glenn’s long-time friends and an organiser of the recent fundraiser, Peter Field said the event was “a pretty awesome night”.

“It showed good support and I think it probably helped Glenn to show what the community thinks about him. He’s a humble sort of fellow. If you ring him up [and say] ’What are you doing, Glenn?' He goes: ‘I'm just farming along’.

“He’s just a passionate farmer. 

“He's done a lot for the RFS, and he's given a lot over the years, and he's a very nice, humble bloke.”

Glenn fell ill before Christmas, as the farm was coming into peak peach harvest season and gearing up to welcome hundreds of visitors on ‘Pick Your Own’ tours during the summer holidays.

Glenn runs the sixth-generation family farm with his wife, Jo-Anne, their two children, daughter Casey, son-in-law Callum, and son Brandon. Faheys have maintained the land at Darkes Forest since 1939, planting fruit trees in the 1950s. About a decade ago, amid challenging times for local farmers, Glenn led the family business in diversifying into making cider from their apples. Their craft brews have gone on to win international awards. 

Glenn is also highly regarded for his volunteer service, having captained the Darkes Forest Rural Fire Brigade for many years.

Glenbernie Orchard is the only remaining commercial fruit farm in the Illawarra and under Glenn and Jo’s leadership the farm has kept close ties with the community, holding annual Apple Pie competitions, donating to the Stanwell Park CWA branch and giving many children the chance to pick their first apple or ride their first tractor. 

While the fundraiser went well, Peter said he wished Glenn wasn’t ill.

“I think I've said this to most people: I would've rather have not had to do it [organise a fundraiser], if that makes sense. I’d rather Glenn wasn’t sick at all.

“He’s a bloody good bloke to me and a bloody good fella and a good mate to everybody.”

Special thanks go to Darkes Forest Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade, Helensburgh Hotel , Menai Civil Contractors, Plant Haul Heavy Haulage, Darkes Forest Riding Ranch, @SJ Read PTY LTD, and Fire and Rescue NSW Station 325 Helensburgh.

To help the Fahey family with medical expenses and to support Glenn's care, donate via www.gofundme.com – search for ‘Support Glenn through Grade 4 Glioblastoma treatment’. At time of writing, $28,850 (of a $35K total) had been raised.

You can also help by continuing to visit the orchard, buying fruit or cider from the farm shop or ordering online, with bags of freshly harvested Gala and Fuji apples now available in store and via the website.