The North Albury Football Netball Club has taken its support for the Terry Socks it to Cancer fundraiser to a whole new level this year, proudly donning bright blue socks - and for the netballers, blue bibs - for all senior grade teams. While the club has long supported the initiative, this year’s bold display was led by Club President Oscar Ramsden, who made a personal commitment to step things up in honour of the cause. “This is a huge commitment by the club, and we are incredibly grateful,” said Andrew Mackinlay, Trust Fund Manager for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) Trust Fund. “Fundraising efforts like these don’t happen without the time and dedication of volunteers, players, and supporters behind the scenes.” For Oscar, the cause is deeply personal. Diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022, he knows firsthand the value of having world-class cancer care close to home. “It was an incredibly hard and scary time—one filled with uncertainty,” he said. “The Cancer Centre is a resource that often goes unknown until you need it. Having such passionate staff and services here in our region made a world of difference, and it was an easy decision to increase the Club’s support this year.” Oscar’s experience is not unique within the club. Member Sarah Parker said the Centre was a lifeline during her own cancer journey. “You always think cancer won’t happen to you. But the Cancer Centre made a huge difference during my treatment and recovery,” she said. “I could stay close to home, be with my family, keep working—having that support locally made all the difference.” Senior men’s player Julian Hayes shared a similar sentiment, with his mother currently receiving treatment. “The Centre has done a world of work for Mum. The way they cared for her, nurtured her—it was second to none. Having the Cancer Centre right here is unreal.” Kane Arendarcikas, General Manager of the SS&A Ovens & Murray Football Netball League, applauded the broader support from clubs across the league. “The SS&A Ovens & Murray FNL and its member clubs were honoured once again to get behind former champion of the competition, Terry Greaves, and his Terry Socks it to Cancer campaign,” Kane said. “This was the fourth consecutive season clubs have supported this initiative, as a united community awareness piece that sees locals supporting local. “There are sadly way too many examples within O&M clubs where the AWRCC has been called upon to play a role in providing important cancer treatment to club members. It provides comfort that such a vital facility sits on our doorstep, allowing patients to remain amongst their family, sporting clubs, and the wider community by removing travel and isolation from a situation that is already as stressful as life presents.” Although the final fundraising total is yet to be confirmed, the collective impact of all local football and netball clubs across our region has been truly remarkable.” “We’re so thankful to North Albury and to all our local clubs who’ve jumped on board for Terry Socks it to Cancer,” said Mackinlay. “Your support means everything to families across our region.” • PHOTO: North Albury v Corowa Rutherglen in Terry’s Bibs. Photo courtesy of the Border Mail North Albury FNC Steps Up in Blue for Terry Socks it to Cancer • PHOTO: North Albury v Corowa Rutherglen in Terry’s socks.
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