The Figtree family of Illawarra footballer Harry Groeller have been humbled at the community's support for suicide prevention, to honour an "amazing young man".
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Harry, a beloved member of the University of Wollongong Football Club, played a crucial role in their 2017 youth grade premiership. After a short break away from the club, he returned to play for the newly formed all age men's two side in 2021.
And while Harry's love for the sport began when he was six, Jennifer Groeller said her son, 23, would be fondly remembered for his personality on and off the field.
"Harrison was a very unassuming person, he was humble, and considerate and thoughtful towards other people," she said.
"He was quite a talented sportsperson. He was a very good runner, he was also a great swimmer and could pick up any sport really. But when it came to a team sport, that's what he really embraced. Harrison was the consummate teammate and he believed if the team won, everyone won. He never wanted to get any accolades for his personal performance, he always focused on how the team played."
The Groellers are now working to raise awareness for mental health, launching a campaign to raise funds for Talk2MeBro which aims to reduce the incidence of men's suicide. The community has rallied behind their efforts, with around $10,000 generated for the charity.
"I find it difficult because Harrison had a great group of friends, a great support network and a good job. He had most of his life pretty well sorted. But, behind this, obviously something in his life changed or happened in the last few months," Harry's dad Peter Groeller said.
"The ability to put your hand out and ask for help, to speak to someone is huge. Our family has been touched by suicide, and Harrison actually played with Justin Cario when they were both at the same team at Unanderra for many years. That's two boys (lost) from one team.
"I don't think we do enough. We need to do more around that (suicide) prevention space and get people to reach out and ask for help. People need to understand where their loved ones are in their lives, which is difficult. And I think Talk2MeBro is a super important charity particularly in these times."
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Mrs Groeller agreed, saying she had been amazed by the community's support.
"It's not that he thought he had nobody, but when this happened, people have come from everywhere. There were a lot of people who worked with him or played sport with him and said 'what an amazing young man he was'. The community support has been phenomenal, we couldn't have asked for anything more."
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au.
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