ASB Good As Gold Santa Edition: Bev Harris

This Christmas, we asked our ASB team to nominate customers who dedicate themselves to their community, have a passion for life against all odds as well as those in times of hardship that deserve something golden in their lives.

This year has been particularly hard for Bev Harris and her family, not only facing the challenges of a tough dairy season but also a farm accident and family illness.

In March, Bev’s husband Ray was involved in a serious quad bike accident. Ray’s 7 year old granddaughter witnessed this, running bare-foot back through the paddocks to get help and Ray was air-lifted to hospital with serious injuries, spending 3 months in Auckland’s brain injury unit.

Sadly during this time, their son Craig who lives in Australia, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour and the family have been deeply affected by this. Bev recently travelled to visit her son but as Ray was unable to fly, she had to leave him behind – something that would have been incredibly difficult.

The accident and their son’s illness have put tremendous stress on the family as the new season approaches. Ray is desperately trying to get back to work but progress is slow and, after 8 months, he still requires ongoing physical therapy and specialist visits.

The Harris family are a tough bunch. Despite going through such hard times, they keep their heads up and carry on. Our gift of $7000 to Bev and Ray will hopefully help make things a bit easier this Christmas. We want to show them some support so they can finish the year with a smile.