Ryan Marron returning to the Kimberley

WA police officer Ryan Marron will return to the Kimberley for the first time since being struck down with Murray Valley Encephalitis as the guest of honour at the Broome Police Legacy Ball in October.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Baddock said half of the event’s proceeds raised from $150 tickets would go to the Ryan Marron Foundation to aid Mr Marron’s recovery.

“This was an easy choice for us, given Ryan is, and always will be a Kimberley copper, and is a brother in need,” he said.

Mr Marron’s partner Toni Misitano said Mr Marron’s face had “lit up” at the prospect of returning to a place he loved.

“As you know, we didn’t leave by choice,” she said. “So we are very excited to come back and Ryan is very excited to see all our friends.

“Slowly but surely we are getting back to normal life – and for Ryan to be back up to Broome, it will show how much stronger he is and how far down the track to recovery he is.

“Ryan is really making such great progress – and what better way to cap off Ryan’s hard work for the last 18 months than to take a trip back up to the Kimberley and be with our mates and colleagues.”

Mr Marron is still unable to walk or talk and needs round-the-clock care after contracting the mosquito-borne virus during a two-week relief stint in Balgo in April, 2011.

Over the past six months, he has been treated at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago after funds raised by his family and fellow police were boosted with $400,000 from the State Government.

Det. Snr Sgt Baddock said his wish was for Mr Marron to be a 100 per cent better and that he would be “kicking up a storm on the dance floor” by next year.

Mr Marron and Ms Misitano would be hosted by the Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa in Broome, he said.