Warriors welcome brave Ashley

LEAGUE fan and Kiwi battler Ashley Worthy was in awe of the Warriors when the team invited him to their corporate box to watch the side thrash the Gold Coast Titans eight days ago.

But Warriors stars say it is Ashley's courage that has staggered them.

Ashley, 20, is one of just nine New Zealanders who suffer from the rare and potentially fatal skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

The genetic disorder causes skin to be so brittle, it can peel off with the slightest contact.

But Ashley is determined to live life to the fullest. He is a keen fisherman, an amateur radio DJ and attends as many Warriors matches as he can.

So determined is he to not let his condition slow him down, he had his lame left leg amputated six years ago and replaced with a prosthetic limb so he could get his manual driver's licence.

Born with no skin below the knee on his left leg, Ashley would drive around his parents' Waipu, Northland, farm cross-legged, using his able right leg for the clutch and accelerator. But he needed the prosthetic limb to legally operate a clutch.

"It was a decision that had to be made," he said of the amputation. "I thought it was no good to me and I wanted to get my licence.

"I've still been able to do what all my mates are doing but it just takes a bit more planning.

Ashley was delighted with his Warriors' invitation, and was rapt when he was visited by a number of players including centre Tony Martin and young prop Russell Packer, plus chief executive Wayne Scurrah.

"It was awesome," Ashley said. "I got to mix with the players, and had a beer."

Scurrah was so impressed with Ashley, the Warriors will next year promote the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (DEBRA) charity.

"Ashley was an amazing guy who has not let his illness slow him down," Scurrah said. "Next year we will be helping raise awareness with some fundraising campaigns."