Paul McGoon cannot forget 2007.

That was the year he had the freak swimming pool accident at his sister’s place in Tamavua.

He has been wheelchair-bound since.

But what keeps him going is the love and care of wife Rokula, family and relatives and the generosity of many Fijians including those who live overseas.

Yesterday, Mr McGoon, the president of the Viti Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji, was beaming with smiles as he watched wheelchairs and medical supplies offloaded from a container at Williams & Gosling yard in Veisari near Lami.

The items were donated by the Fiji Association of South Adelaide. The freight was paid for by Rotary clubs there.

Mr McGoon said: “I am grateful to all these good people. Their kindness makes a big difference to the lives of many people not only those with spinal injuries.”

He said some of the items would go to hospitals via the Ministry of Health. Even educational books are part of the shipment. They will be directed to the Ministry of Education.

Mr McGoon said the last similar shipment was made in 2013.

He said contact with an old friend, Gus Raddock, in Adelaide, had led to the setting up of this arrangement.

“We have formed a committee that helps in the distribution of these supplies,” he said.

The committee, he said, was there to ensure that the items went to people who needed them the most.

Mr McGoon was a heavy goods vehicle driver for Williams & Gosling when the pool accident occurred.

“I was playing with my six-year-old boy. He is my only child. He dived into the swimming pool. Not realising it was shallow, I dived in after him and hurt myself, “ he said.

He said the association was there to support and help those who suffer from spinal injuries. It relied on assistance and fundraising activities.

On July 25, there will be a fundraising event at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva. The President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the First Lady Adi Koila Nailatikau will be the chief guests.

“We are inviting the public to support this event. It’s for a good cause. For tickets, people can call 9956748 and 9998502 (Paul McGoon or Max Olsson) for details,” he said.

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj