Hockey NSW joins hands with "Matty's Hope" to fight brain cancer
Published Tue 01 Aug 2023
In a heartwarming effort to honour the memory of a young hockey enthusiast, Matthew, and to make a difference in the lives of future patients, Hockey NSW has taken a step forward in supporting “Matty’s Hope”. This innovative medical research project, initiated in partnership with The Brain Tumour Group at the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA), aims to tackle the type of brain cancer that tragically claimed Matthew’s life at the tender age of 20.
Matthew’s love for hockey began during his school days, and over the years, he became an integral part of the hockey community. Playing for Northern District in both junior and men’s hockey, Matthew also represented North West Sydney and Bathurst in various state championships. His contributions extended beyond being a skilled player, as he actively umpired and coached teams, leaving an indelible mark on those he mentored.
In February of this year, Matthew’s family, in conjunction with CCIA, launched “Matty’s Hope”. This initiative marks the first of its kind in Australia, dedicated to researching the specific brain cancer that affected Matthew’s life. As of now, the primary treatment option for this aggressive cancer is intense radiotherapy, making further research essential to discover more effective treatments.
CCIA, with its rich history in combating childhood cancer dating back to 1976, has achieved notable success in treating various forms of cancer. The institute’s breakthroughs in leukemia treatment and the recent success story of the DIPG clinical trial, known as Levi’s Catch, serve as beacons of hope for young patients and their families.
In a testament to the unwavering support of the hockey community, Matty’s Hope Round took place on the 29th of July 2023. This day marks the anniversary of Matthew’s passing, and his memory was celebrated in a special way during this round. Sydney Hockey has pledged its full support to raise funds for “Matty’s Hope”, showcasing the compassion and unity within the hockey family.
Through a dedicated link with CCIA, the Sydney hockey community has already raised an impressive $15,000, and the count continues to rise. The generosity displayed by everyone involved is a powerful testament to the impact Matthew had on those around him and the commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
“Hockey NSW is honoured to be a part of ‘Matty’s Hope’ and to support the fight against brain cancer”, said Emma Highwood, CEO of Hockey NSW. “Matthew’s passion for the sport and his spirit of determination has left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. We stand with the family, CCIA and the entire hockey community to help bring hope to future patients and their families”.
To contribute to “Matty’s Hope” and make a difference in the fight against brain cancer, please visit the following link:
https://www.ccia.org.au/fundraisers/sydneyhockey/mattys-hope
