Sometimes football is about more than just the four points.
It does not happen too often, with the all-important win on the scoreboard helping finals chances and providing the victorious side a week’s worth of that winning feeling that anyone involved in sport craves.
But on Sunday at Mulgrave Reserve, football took a back seat to the great cause that Eastern Devils and Darebin Falcons were supporting.
Yes, it was a 129-point win to the Falcons, but the day was about more than the result on the field.
The clubs were playing for the Catherine Wotton Cup. While it was a well-deserved win to Darebin to claim the Cup once again – Daisy Pearce winning the Cath Wotton Medal for best of ground, edging out teammate Darcy Vescio who starred up forward kicking seven goals - the significance and importance of the Cup is the real story from the match.
The day was in support of raising money for the Catherine Wotton Scholarship Fund. The fund was established by Catherine’s three daughters, Amy, Jo and Lou, and her nursing colleagues in recognition of her significant 37 year contribution to nursing and her courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Jo is president of the Eastern Devils and Lou was one of the best players for the Devils.
In just over four years, family and friends have raised over $100,000 to establish this fund to support one or more annual scholarships, with the first recipient - Jessica Jude – announced earlier this year. The day is always an important fixture on the Devils’ calendar, with the money raised at this annual event having helped contribute significantly to the fund in recent years.
The scholarship provides registered nurses the opportunity to be specifically trained in the area of gynaecological and ovarian cancers. The aim of this scholarship is to address the current shortage of gynaecological nurses, so that women are supported through their cancer journey, whilst also raising awareness of gynaecological cancers amongst women in the community.
It is a cause that is close to the heart for the Wotton family, and the support shown by family and friends of both clubs on Sunday highlighted how important the day has become.
While it was the ninth straight win of the season for Darebin, the winners were well aware of the significance of the match, donating $500 to the fund at the end of the game.
It all helped, with money raised from the sausage sizzle, bake sale and raffle all going to this worthy cause.
Last Modified on 22/07/2014 16:06