27 March 2019 | Paul Courts
HIS parents’ home has been burnt down, with precious memorabilia lost, but it “doesn’t mount to a hill of beans in this crazy world” according to Ron Webster.
In fact, mid interview about the blaze, Webster wanted on update on Queensland’s Whitaker family.
Last Sunday night Gary and Joedy Whitaker had their lives thrust into despair as a result of a freak accident at Redcliffe.
The couple stood next to the fence to watch the next race on the card when they were struck by the mobile gate’s arm, which failed to retract.
In what have been described as “horrific scenes”, the Whitaker’s two children were also hit, with the youngsters bearing the brunt of the force.
Two-year-old Lara was rushed to hospital in critical condition with severe facial and internal injuries, with Josh suffering non-life threatening.
To the Whitakers’ relief Lara had stabilised yesterday afternoon, but remains in critical condition.
Josh has shown “great improvement” which has seen him moved to a hospital ward.
“As much as a pain in the arse that it is, we’ve lost some Cups, photos and such, which is nothing compared to what that little girl and her family are going through,” Webster said.
“How is she? Do you know if she is any better?”
The Webster home has been vacant since his mother, Irene, died last June, with the house being “gradually sorted out”.
“There was no one living there, which would be why it was targeted,” Webster explained. “According to the cops they had broken in and set the place alight.
“They robbed the joint and then came back two days later and burnt it down….we are waiting on a police and fire report.
“A house can be rebuilt, the memorabilia is gone, but we have the memories, and it is nothing compared to what the family in Queensland are going through!”
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