Some current and former Richmond stars have thrown their support behind the fundraising effort set up for Beau Vernon, who was injured in a tragic on-field collision earlier this year.

Richmond’s ME Bank Centre will host a fundraising function this Thursday, August 30, which will be hosted by Matthew Richardson and Nathan Brown.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick and captain Chris Newman will also be in attendance, along with Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson, and AFL stars Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Dyson Heppell and Jarryd Roughhead.

Vernon, 23, sustained his injury while playing for Leongatha on June 23.  He suffered a crushed spinal cord and damage to his C5 and C6 vertebrae, which has left him a quadriplegic.

It is expected Beau’s hospital fees, along with carers, equipment and aid for his lifetime, will exceed $3.2 million. The family hopes to receive between $150,000-$200,000 in insurance, leaving them far short of the funds they desperately need.

A fundraising website has been set up at www.bvfundraiser.com.au, which includes several auction items, including a spot in the Richmond coaches box for a game in 2013.  These auctions are now live for bidding.