SOUTH LANCASTER – It’s not just an angel watching out for Randy Robertson, but the entire Township of South Glengarry, and beyond.
Robertson, who survived a harrowing rollover accident on Highway 401 nearly three weeks ago, sat in a wheelchair, covered in bandages and a sling on his right arm, surrounded by hundreds of supporters at a spaghetti supper fundraiser at the South Lancaster Legion on Sunday (Feb. 21).
“I wasn’t expecting this whatsoever. All this support is overwhelming, because I’m a giver, not a taker. So this is hard for me to accept,” said Robertson, fighting back tears as he stared into the lively crowd of all ages, including numerous firefighter departments from across SD&G. “I don’t know what to say to these people, other than thank you. And it makes me stand more proud with my brothers and sisters (in various fire deparments), because I wouldn’t be where I am right now without their dedication.”
Supporters stood outside in cold winds for up to 15 minutes just to get into the event. With standing room only, many had to leave with empty stomachs, clutching their piping hot meals in styrofoam containers tight to their sides. Despite the unwelcoming weather and lack of seating, the fundraiser received a warm reception.
The fire truck Robertson was driving on rolled multiple times on a snowy Saturday morning (February 6), while responding to another accident on the busy provincial thoroughfare.
Robertson’s injuries read like a laundry list of life-threatening ailments: a collapsed lung, broken shoulder, broken collar bone, broken vertebrae, internal bleeding and a deep gash on his head.
“It’s a long road to recovery. i’m on a lot of painkillers. My spine, head, and ribs…I take it one day at a time. I can only walk a certain amount of time and then I have to sit down. I’m lucky to be alive. And I’m slowly but surely trying me best to get better.”
Robertson’s wife Debbie Julien told Seaway News in an interview barely 24 hours after the accident: “He told me our nephew Alexander was watching over him.”
Alexander is better known to our readers as Alex ‘The Warrior’ Lazore – a little cancer fighter who sadly succumbed to the disease a week before Christmas.
The South Glengarry Station 4 Firefighter Association hosted Sunday’s fundraiser. Organizers expect to collect over $5,000 to help the Robertsons cover ongoing medical expenses.
