Emma Pritchard
A proud Graftonian, and a much-loved country music star with a heart as big as her acoustic guitar, Brooke McClymont has been officially announced as the newest Patron of the Grafton Branch of the United Hospital Auxiliary (GBUHA).
After finishing second overall on the eighth season of the Network 10 reality program I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! earlier this year, where she competed alongside 12 fellow contestants to win $100000 for her nominated charity, the Children and Adolescent Care Unit at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH), Brooke said she was proud to represent her local community and to help shine a light on the incredible work and contributions made by the volunteers of the GBUHA.
Describing herself as “chuffed and tickled pink” by her new role, Brooke said she is looking forward to working closely with the GBUHA to support and promote the amazing work they do.
Speaking with the Clarence Valley Independent last week, Brooke revealed she has been blown away by the amount of support the local charity has received since she appeared on our TV screens, and she was thrilled when GBUHA President Kerrie DiMattia recently approached her and asked if she would consider becoming a Patron.
“I said yes, of course,” Brooke said happily.
“I’m so pumped and I’m so excited to do anything I can to help.
“They’re an amazing local charity and they do so much for the people of Grafton.
“I’m a proud Graftonian, I love Grafton, and I’m so chuffed to have been offered this role because it’s a real honour.”
Brooke and her husband, fellow country music performer Adam Eckersley, visited the GBUHA Op Shop in February during their visit to the Clarence Valley as part of their Roll On Baby 2022 tour.
All proceeds raised from the op shop enable GBH to purchase necessary equipment for the community.
GBUHA publicity officer Julie Smith said it was wonderful to welcome them to the op shop earlier this year.
“We really appreciate Brooke’s kindness and also the awareness that she brought to us during her time on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, and for someone like her to pick a small organisation like ours and help raise our profile and raise awareness of the work we do for the local community, we’re really happy she’s come on board,” she said.
Ms DiMattia agreed.
“We’re thrilled to have her as a Patron,” she said.
Brooke joins fellow Patrons Richie Williamson and Ron Bell.
- The GBUHA op shop is located at 107 Pound Street, Grafton. Opening times are 9:30am -3:30pm, Tuesday to Friday, and between 9:30am – 12pm on Saturday. Locals interested in becoming members are encouraged to visit the store during opening times for further information.