Redback spiders

Contrary to popular belief, redback spiders don't kill people. Delay in seeking medical treatment for said bites can. I found this one out the hard way this weekend when receiving the shocking news that my brother had been on the pointy end of one of these things. Himself being a primary school teacher, I am thanking God that he didn't send one of his worshipful 3rd grade minions to collect the sports gear from the shed. He did it himself (where the redback was waiting). A 9 year old might have had less chance. However, he didn't do himself any favours by writing off the sting as a bee for 2 hours whilst the wound site took on a pulsating life of it's own and the venom went to his heart. Of course, his class found it hilarious that Mr A had to take a trip to sick bay and then to hospital. I've been assured he won't die but has a gory story to tell his students until the end of his career. Duncan, you've only become likeable in recent years, don't leave me now.