A GRIEF-RIDDLED family member of a local legend fighting for life after a vicious nursing home bashing has shared his harrowing experience at length.
Malcolm ‘Mac’ MacGregor OAM, 88, is battling bleeding on the brain after a fellow resident of The Haven aged care facility beat him within an inch of his life over a missing coffee mug.
Now his great nephew, Matt Mortimer, has broken his silence about the aftermath of the shocking incident.
Mr Mortimer described the mental trauma he suffered watching his mother Alison cry over Mr MacGregor’s ailing, wounded body.
“I have never felt the pain of seeing her cry so many times at the helplessness at what we were dealing with,” he said.
“With melancholic hindsight, we now think it was probably better that it was Mac that was attacked and not another resident.
“His strong will simply refuses to bite the dust, a trait that another at the elderly home may not possess.”
Mr Mortimer said ‘Mac’ is making a slow recovery since the brutal bashing on January 7.
Reports suggest the altercation broke out after the alleged assailant accused Mr MacGregor of plotting to steal his favourite coffee mug.
It is believed the accused, Malcolm Eric McDonald, 69, then punched the 88-year-old in the head multiple times.
Mr MacGregor is a stalwart of both the Ariah Park and Temora communities and was recognised by the Governor General last year for making an outstanding contribution to Australia.
The former volunteer paramedic and fire-fighter was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) last Australia Day for service to lawn bowls and the community.
The alleged assailant, McDonald, is back at The Haven with a security guard posted at his door – while other residents have been urged to keep their doors locked.
It has since been revealed that retirement village The Haven is obliged by aged care legislation to let McDonald stay until his charges are heard in court.
The 69-year-old, charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, will face Wagga Local Court again on Monday.
“The offender is still residing in the same nursing home Mac loves,” Mr Mortimer said.
Immediate family of Mr MacGregor believe Monday’s court outcome will determine whether the community icon is able to move on, or is rendered homeless.
“Mac is actually frightened to go back to that room while the alleged assailant is in the premises,” councillor and family spokesperson Paul Funnell said.
