Newcastle Jets star Mark Natta is throwing his support behind an initiative to raise funds for kids fighting cancer.
The defender, who enjoyed a 3-2 victory with his teammates over the Perth Glory at the weekend, has joined fellow A-League footballers Noah Botic (Western United), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory) and Miguel Di Pizio (Central Coast Mariners) in backing Footy Colours Day.
AFL’s Jack Crisp (Collingwood FC), Erica Fowler (Collingwood FC), Renee Garing (Geelong FC), Jayden Laverde (Essendon FC) and the NRL’s Luke Brooks (Manly Sea Eagles), Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels) and Felise Kaufusi (The Dolphins) have also signed up for the campaign.
While September is the official month for the all-important Fight Cancer Foundation (FCF) cause, Hunter residents can host an event any time.
From sausage sizzles to free dress days, morning teas to trivia nights, they’re encouraged to proudly wear their footy team colours — be they AFL, NRL or A-League supporters — and organise a fundraiser.
“It’s a fantastic community program, which everyone can get behind,” Natta said.
“There are thousands of kids with cancer around the country and many of them need to travel to access live-saving treatment.
“FCF provides accommodation to keep families together while their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, are fighting the disease.
“Every dollar counts, so jump on the Footy Colours Day website and play a role.”
Donations received from this year’s events will go towards providing lodgings for the families of children undergoing cancer treatment, to ensure they can stay together, as well as life-saving research.
A child diagnosed with cancer will, on average, spend more than six months undergoing cancer treatment – a process that can leave them feeling isolated and left behind socially, emotionally and academically.
Fight Cancer Foundation CEO Cara Davey admitted it was more important than ever for people to get behind Footy Colours Day.
“As we celebrate a landmark year in Australian sport, it’s a reminder of the incredible spirit and unity that defines our nation,” she said.
“Footy Colours Day gives us the chance to channel that same energy into supporting children who are facing the toughest battle of their lives.
“By wearing our team colours and rallying together, we can ensure that these kids and their families have the care and support they need when it matters most.”
Anyone can donate to the cause, register to participate as well as host their own event at www.footycoloursday.com.au/
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