By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A NARRE Warren CFA volunteer laid low in hospital by a flesh-eating bug has given whole-hearted thanks to the fire-fighting colleagues who gave his home a surprise makeover.
Paul ‘Tiny’ Little was lost for words for much of his videoed tribute to his mates, who chipped in $400 to replace pickets on a gate as well as carrying out a day-long working bee at the Narre Warren South house.
About 20 brigade members, led by captain Paul Hardy, painted inside most of the home, replaced damaged flyscreens, repaired sliding doors, took away junk to the tip and got power to the shed.
Still in his Sandringham Hospital bed, Mr Little wrote on Facebook he was “blown away by the willingness of my CFA family to jump in without my knowledge”.
“It’s so wonderful to have a group of volunteers who not only give up their time to help the community in times of need but to give up a glorious Sunday to make life easier for one of the family.
“I know it’s a big effort and I am grateful to you all.”
It gave a silver lining to Mr Little’s month of hell in hospital after innocuously cutting his knee while pulling up carpet at home.
The cut, which was at the site of a knee replacement, got infected then attacked by a flesh-eating bug.
After the first surgery, Mr Little was close to being put into an induced coma. He was told that the worst case scenario was amputation.
Three further operations later, Mr Little has stood for the first time but faces a long, slow rehabilitation.
Mr Little told Star News he’s been to 3000 call-outs – including major bushfires and factory blazes – in his 20-year volunteering with CFA.
He also works as an admin support officer at the CFA’s Dandenong regional headquarters.
“If someone’s having a bad day, we try and make it better for them.”
The brigade has chipped in with working bees and home-cooked meals for several members doing it tough in the past, he says.
He made a point of thanking his wife Sue who had kept the household running, including visiting him most days and keeping up with their two kids’ school, Scouts and sports runs.
“She has been sensational. I don’t know how she’s done everything.
“When I get home, I’ll have to take her to dinner – just the two of us.”
Read Mr Little’s message to colleagues on facebook.com/paultiny.little/posts/10154421789769413
