The Upper Namoi Cotton Grower Association has helped a fellow grower to continue enjoying the little things like a beer at the local pub after a motorbike accident left him disabled.

Grant Baker suffered a motorcycle accident leaving him paralysed from the chest down. Family and friends rallied around him to ensure he could continue farming on his property in the Carroll and Breeza districts but there were some things outside he found more difficult.

Catching up with friends and neighbours at the local Curlewis pub for a beer or two became difficult because there was no disabled toilet.

Not to be deterred, the publican used some of his own money and funds from a drought fund but they were still short of the amount required so the Upper Namoi CGA came to the rescue raising $14,000 at their annual awards night auction.

With the necessary funds raised the pub now has its own disabled toilet block and Grant can enjoy the company of his fellow growers and a few beers whenever he has time.

The President of the Upper Namoi CGA is Peter Lennox was the driving force behind the initiative. “Grant’s a great bloke and to be able to help out in this way has been satisfying. We get to have a beer with Grant and he’s able to enjoy all the locals who form part of this tight-knit community.”