Wyong Netball Association export, turned premiership-winning NSW Swifts defender, Lauren Moore, has raised over $16,000 for children’s cancer research by shaving her head.
With the 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and players taking large wage cuts to help the sport through the period, Moore decided to use her extra time in lockdown to raise funds for The Kids’ Cancer Project.
Moore started out with the goal of raising $10,000, but has exceeded that target, and has now raised in excess of $16k and counting.
The Kids’ Cancer Project is dedicated to improving outcomes for sick kids through medical research and has been a charity partner of the NSW Swifts for the past decade.
That goal resonated with Moore, whose months of fundraising culminated in a buzzcut in late April.
“I have always said that I don’t care what people think of me on the outside, because its what’s inside that counts,” she said.
“When The Kids’ Cancer Project came and chatted to us, I was amazed by the work they do and how they help the children and their families who are affected by cancer.
“As a professional athlete it put a lot of things in perspective.
“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank everyone who has donated.
“I understand that this is a very difficult time for everyone, but cancer is a constant in our lives and will still be here after Covid-19 has passed, so these funds are much-needed,” Moore said.
NSW Swifts Executive General Manager, Nikki Horton, said Moore’s effort was something that she hoped would provide the wider community with some much needed good news.
“We are all so proud of the way that Lauren has used this time to really highlight what can be done to help others when you put your mind to it,” she said.
“I think this is a first for an elite female Aussie athlete, and something you don’t see every day, so good on Lauren for having the bravery to do it.
“Her efforts are a reflection of the wider netball community, grassroots and elite, who have really pulled together at this this time without any gripes, for the good of the game and the wider community.
“Just like our amazing front-line workers fighting Covid-19, The Kids’ Cancer Project’s work is a 365-day job and we’d love to see the Australian community continue to contribute to their cause,” Moore said.
Source:
Press release, Apr 24
NSW Swifts