By Michael Doran
Footy season is fast approaching and a great way to get the season started is on Friday 1 March at the Valley Vicious Rett Syndrome Awareness Cup in Healesville. Two former AFL greats, Lindsay Gilbee and Shaun Smith are pulling on the boots in support of raising money for research into Rett Syndrome.
Lee Lawrence is behind the event and since learning his daughter, Gypsy, has the syndrome he and partner Tahli Prohasky have worked tirelessly to raise funds for research into this insidious disease.
The game will feature a team made up of ‘Yarra Valley Characters’ playing North Croydon MLOC, featuring some of the best players from the area. Lindsay Gilbee and Shaun Smith, who played more than 300 AFL games between them, have been drafted in as Yarra Valley Characters and no doubt will live up to the team mantra of “get vicious or die trying.”
As well as football, there will be a Netball Game between teams made up of the best players from the Outer East Netball Division 1 and 2.
There will be plenty of family activities on offer including face painting, comedians, a band, a commentating DJ and a Superboot competition at half time. A BBQ and bar will keep spirits up and a monster raffle and a jumper auction after the game will boost the funds raised.
In 2018 Lee and Tahli raised close to $14000 for Rett Awareness Australia and are hoping to raise even more this year. Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder in which the brain does not mature in the way it should and is seen almost exclusively in young girls
The venue is Don Rd Sporting Complex, Healesville with gates opening at 5.30pm. The netball starts at 6.30pm and the Rett Syndrome Awareness Cup starts at 8pm. Entry is $5 with U/16s free. More from @valleyvicious.
