Brothers show true grit

" John and Len Oliver are two of the north's most respected sporting identities

By Phil Bushby

FATE can be terribly cruel at times... just ask the Oliver brothers John and Len who quite incredibly have had both their right legs amputated less than two years apart.

But both agree it's no use crying over spilt milk.

"Life goes on," John, 72, said who had his leg taken off almost two years ago after being a diabetic for 15 years.

"You must remain positive, worse things could have happened."

Len's response was almost identical after losing his leg six weeks ago when severe ulcers failed to heal despite the best of treatment.

"There are plenty of people worse off than us," the 73-yearold said.

"We must get on with life and enjoy what lies ahead life is too short to sit around and mope."

Len and John Oliver are two of the north's most respected sporting identities.

Living most of their lives in Coledale, John is now a Thirroul resident and Len lives at Kiama.

Both have experienced successful and rewarding sporting careers, John in rugby league, soccer and surfing, and Len in rugby league, soccer, cricket and later years, lawn bowls.

There are still plenty of positives ahead for John and Len Oliver, two men who have served their communities with great distinction over so many years and their courage under recent adversity should be a lesson to us all.