WHEN Rhys Watts suffered a single vehicle roll-over accident about a month ago, he suffered massive injuries.

His mother Nicole immediately flew down south to be by his side. 

Rhys’ condition was very serious and his family waited patiently as he endured weeks of an induced coma, invasive equipment and round-the-clock medical support, keeping him alive in the intensive care unit at Royal Adelaide Hospital. 

It was a devastating accident, the type you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.

Rhys and his sister Jade grew up here in Tennant Creek but both live in South Australia now.

Mum Nicole is a long-term Tennant local. 

Nicole has been incredibly brave, keeping vigil by her son’s side and even providing daily updates online as their hopes and dreams have been answered and Rhys has gradually emerged from the tragedy. 

It’s been a life-changing experience which destroyed a quarter of Rhys’ skull and has left him with months of repair surgery and rehabilitation.

Tennant Creek Lions Club President Kate Foran (pictured) empathised with Nicole as a fellow parent, and dreamed up a way locals can support the family. 

Kate designed a patchwork quilt, made up of white squares surrounded by typical earthy colours of our desert landscape. 

The Lions Club is selling off these squares at $50 each. 

You can write a message of support and well-wishes on your square, which will then be stitched into a two metre square quilt, a tangible gift of love and support from the generous heart of Tennant Creek! 

Lions members will be at the Memo Club from 2pm to 5pm tomorrow. 

So get on down there, buy a square and sign it with a fabric marker (supplied) to be a part of this project. 

All proceeds will be donated directly to the family to help support them in the months ahead. 

Don’t underestimate how important the support will be to them, not only financially, but also in being able to physically wrap themselves in a big warm hug all the way from Tennant Creek!