He was again the subject of news headlines recently when burglars robbed his Dandenong home, stealing a wheelchair and one of his most prized possessions, a North Melbourne signed jumper. It was a gift from work colleagues that held special significance as he fought back from the horrific accident.
Hurdles aside, Kerrins, a life-long North supporter is determined to continue his fight to walk again, and it’s the ‘Shinboner Spirit’ that keeps him going.
On Thursday, he was paid a special visit by Kangaroos’ stars Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima and Taylor Garner.
“The determination that Tim shows is just unreal,” McMahon told NMFC.com.au from Epworth Hospital.
“Nathan Grima was saying earlier, we whinge when we get a corkie and we think it’s hard to walk, but we can’t imagine what he’s been through and what he continues to go through to get to where he wants to be - to walk again.”
The North players also came with a special gift, a guernsey signed by the 2014 squad.
“It was fantastic, they’re legends. Meeting them makes me feel even more spurred on to keep working hard,” Kerrins said.
“I’ve always had the Shinboner Spirit in me, that’s how I do all this.
“I know people admire me from what I do, they’re looking out for me and respect what I’m trying to achieve. It makes me feel good, that’s why I keep going, to help other people and help myself too because I want to walk.”
McMahon considers the North faithful like an extension of the team and says the opportunity to bring a smile to the faces of supporters is just as rewarding as a win on game day.
“We treat each of our supporters like they’re family, which they are. We love to give back to the people who give us so much throughout the year.”
 |
 |
