Newcastle Netball Association raises $8,500 for Hunter Melanoma Foundation
- intouch Magazine
- May 30, 2023
- 2 min read
The Hunter Melanoma Foundation (HMF) in partnership with the Newcastle Netball Association laced up on the weekend to raise awareness of melanoma.
This was the inaugural Lace Up for Melanoma round Newcastle Netball Association held in support of HMF, and was a huge success raising $8,500 for the Foundation.
HMF Executive Officer, Claudia Tolhurst said the Foundation was overwhelmed by the sporting community's support, with many local netball clubs taking part in the initiative.
“We cannot thank the Newcastle Netball Association enough for creating a Lace Up for Melanoma round, and encouraging their clubs to get involved.”
“All money raised will go straight into the many community activations HMF runs in the Hunter, educating and raising awareness of sun protection and early detection of melanoma,” Ms Tolhurst said.
Newcastle Netball Association President, Cheryl Hernando said the Association supports the exceptional work HMF does within the local community.
“HMF continues to highlight the importance of prevention and early detection of melanoma through education and awareness campaigns throughout the Hunter region. To directly impress this to our members and families via this dedicated round was invaluable,”
“HMF also kindly donated two wall mounted sunscreen stations to the Newcastle Netball Association to ensure there is always sunscreen on hand for everyone to use,” Ms Hernando said.
Lace Up for Melanoma was originally created by the late David Wallace, a local Rugby Union Referee, who passed from melanoma last year. David and HMF wanted to bring an educational activation to the local sporting community, as the majority are spent being played outdoors.
“David was an incredible advocate of raising awareness of early detection and prevention of melanoma and supporter of HMF.”
“As we know melanoma doesn’t discriminate and even though we are entering the cooler months, sun protection and early detection of melanoma are just as paramount as the warmer seasons. ”
“We are very grateful to keep this initiative going in the local community through the Newcastle Netball Association, and look forward to expanding this in other sports in the years to come,” Ms Tolhurst said.
Due to the bad weather last Friday, the Newcastle Netball Association’s junior Under 7 and Under 8 teams were unable to proceed with their Lace Up for Melanoma round. The Association is pleased to confirm that this Friday, (round 6) the junior teams will be able to wear their shoelaces in support of HMF.
“We are pleased that our junior netballers will be able to Lace Up for Melanoma this Friday. HMF will be in attendance handing out shoelace orders, and other goodies. There may even be a surprise visit from HMF Mascot, Melanie the Melon,” Ms Hernando said.
