When Melton Bloods star defender Brooke Thompson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer a week before the grand final, no one expected to see her out on the netball court.
But the 30-year-old’s operation, scheduled for the day before the match, was postponed and she ended the season, and her career, on a high note – she and her teammates won the premiership. And the umpires named her ‘best on court’.
Ms Thompson’s family and friends are rallying once more, this time to raise money to cover her medical expenses.
Childhood friend Luke Jarrad ran for Ms Thompson in this year’s Melbourne Marathon, hoping to raise $1000. Instead, thanks to the generosity of many people, he raised $4200.
The balance now sits at a whopping $21,500. complemented by countless heartfelt messages to the “really upbeat, bubbly and confident” secondary school teacher.
Ms Thompson, a former Melbourne Vixens player, didn’t realise how many hearts and lives she’d touched.
“It’s so nice to see close friends and family donate,” she said. “But there are people I didn’t realise I had an impact on who have also donated and written on the [MyCause] page. The response has been overwhelming.”
One donor wrote: “Chooka T you are a gem. So glad to have played netty with you before you retired.”
Her friends have organised an event to help support Ms Thompson and are looking for donations for their silent auction.
Contact anightforchook@hotmail.com or donate at www.mycause.com.au/page/83642/runforbrooke.
