The Newcastle Jets are proud to show their support for Ben Kennedy as he raises funds and awareness for breast cancer this week.
The Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets are proud to show their support for one of the Club-s longest serving players Ben Kennedy, as he raises funds and awareness for breast cancer this week.
Jets Members and supporters unable to get to the game can make donations online by CLICKING HERE.
Ben’s mother Karen, is currently receiving treatment for a breast cancer recurrence, giving the Jets- shot-stopper a first hand understanding of the very real impact this disease has on so many families in the community and how important detection, treatment, support and awareness of this disease is.
The Jets have partnered with Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) to arrange a week of fundraising and promotional activities, culminating in a ‘Pink Day for BK- when the Newcastle Jets take on Melbourne Heart at Hunter Stadium on Saturday, March 8.
“I know first hand the impact it can have on a family when a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer,” Kennedy said.
“I-m hoping this week-s activities can help raise valuable funds and awareness for breast cancer research and make a difference to the lives of people who are affected by this disease.
“I-m extremely grateful to have the support of the Newcastle Jets, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, my teammates, the coaching staff and our opposition on Saturday, Melbourne Heart, who have all agreed to get behind this great cause.”
On Tuesday, members of the Newcastle Jets playing squad and coaching staff will be shaving their heads at the conclusion of training at Ray Watt Oval to kick-off the week-s fundraising activities.
Kennedy himself will be adopting a new look as he parts with his infamous long locks in support of his mother, while Jets midfielder Josh Brillante will be clean shaven for the first time in over 12 months as Kennedy-s teammates also rally behind the cause.
The Newcastle Jets have produced a specially designed pink t-shirt to raise funds for HBCF, which will be on-sale at Saturday-s clash with Melbourne Heart for $25. For every pink t-shirt purchased, $5 will be donated to the HBCF.
Both the Jets and Melbourne Heart players will wear the pink t-shirts as they make their way onto the field prior to kick-off in the match, while the Jets players will also wear pink laces during the fixture.
HBCF will be the official match day partner and all Jets Members and supporters are encouraged to dress in pink and support Ben and HBCF. Volunteers will be collecting donations for HBCF within the stadium precinct on match day.
There will be a prize for the best dressed fan, with Members and supporters invited to tag their Intsagram photos of them dressed in pink with #PinkDayForBK to enter the competition. The winning entry will receive a pair of goalkeeper gloves signed by Ben Kennedy.
Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation is a volunteer based Foundation which provides many essential services for patients and families living with breast cancer and undergoing treatment, including to Ben Kennedy and his family.
Foundation Vice President, Meg Purser, thanked Ben, the players and the Club for this tremendous support.
“The Foundation provides local people with grass root support while they are undergoing treatment for breast cancer,” Ms Purser said.
“Treatment is a long and hard process for the entire family and we exist to try and help them through this challenging time.”
Community support enables the Foundation to provide transport services to and from treatment as well as pay for professional cleaners and lawn maintenance people to take care of their homes.
The Foundation also provides more than 650 post operative cushions free of charge to patients across the Hunter and scholarship[s to children for educational expenses and much more. Australian women have a 1 in 8 lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Jets Members and supporters unable to get to the game can make donations online by CLICKING HERE.
For more information about HBCF CLICK HERE.
