By: Daniel Cencic
Twitter: @DC_EFL
The Coldstream Football & Netball Club will host a special day for seven-year-old Lawson Appleton at its first home game of the season, when the Cougars take on the Whitehorse Pioneers this week.
Lawson, the son of Coldstream playing-assistant coach Leam Doughty and partner Tamara, has recently been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, where the entire community has rallied around the family.
An avid Bombers supporter, Lawson loves his footy, soccer, and cricket, and will lead the seniors and reserves out this Saturday as he looks to inspire his beloved Cougars to victory.
In true community spirit, the club is hosting a ‘World’s Greatest Shave’ event, where after the game, all players will be colouring or shaving their hair, to raise much-needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.
“It’s what footy clubs are all about – we’re a family and we’re all there to support him (Lawson), so it’s much bigger than a scoreboard this week that’s for sure,” club secretary Samantha Glassborow said.
“He’s just so excited about it all, and we’ve got a little jumper for him to run out in – hopefully it is a really good day for him.”
While Lawson hasn’t taken to the field to play under-8s just yet, Leam is wary of his son’s passion to play Australian rules – to the point where it scares the playing-assistant of what the seven-year-old may be capable of on the field.
“Leam said he couldn’t trust him not to tackle all the other kids!,” Glassborow said.
“I think he (Lawson) really looks up to the players both at the footy club and the cricket club and they’re his heroes and that’s why we’re doing this for him, so he can see they’re all supporting him and right behind him.”
Glassborow said the club and family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support Lawson’s cause has received from the wider community.
“It’s been amazing – we’re already up to over $1400 and the donations have been coming in every day,” she said.
“We’ve also had businesses donating for Saturday – Bubba’s Pizza in Lilydale donated food for the function, as well as the sushi place in Lilydale, Hatrick Electrical have donated prizes for the raffle and Channel 9 have got involved too – it’s amazing.
“Young kids shouldn’t have to face this kind of thing, but if they do then we do everything we can to help them out and show them we’re there to support them.”
The shave will kick off at 5pm at the conclusion of the senior match, along with finger food and raffles.
The club has registered a team with the Leukaemia Foundation called Lawson’s Cougars. To donate, CLICK HERE.
