Australian elite athletes come together to support Daffodil Day Appeal

This August, Australian elite athletes and coaches will share their personal stories and encourage people to donate a virtual daffodil in support of Cancer Council's Daffodil Day Appeal, the annual fundraising campaign which culminates on Daffodil Day on 28 August 2020.

Cancer Council is Australia's leading cancer charity and aims to raise more than $2 million across Australia with the Daffodil Day Appeal, which is delivered in digital form this year.

KAP7 Aussie Sharks player and Olympic hopeful Locky Hollis is a cancer survivor who is hoping to get more people donating this Daffodil Day.

“In 2013 I was diagnosed with a very rare form of germ cell tumor. I was playing professionally overseas and I had some chronic back pain. It got worse and worse over the course of four or five months. I returned to Australia where a full body scan revealed a germ cell tumor,” said Hollis.

‘I was 22 years old, I was training, I was active as well. When I got the news from the doctor, I was actually heart broken. But thanks to my family and my close friends, we actually came together and we got through it together

“I must say that water polo did save my life. If I wasn't an active person the symptoms wouldn't have come on and therefore the cancer could have spread around the body

“In terms of your body, you know it best. My advice is if it doesn't feel right, go and get it checked up. Don't sit back and wait for something major to occur,” he said.

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) CEO Peter Conde said he was pleased to see Australian elite athletes and coaches participate in impactful community engagement activities and use their profile to help raise funds for vital cancer research.

"The AIS is delighted to support the Cancer Council through the Daffodil Day Appeal, which is raising funds for Cancer Council’s life-saving cancer research throughout the month of August,” Conde said.

"Cancer is something that affects many families in Australia and unfortunately many people within our sporting community have first-hand experience of how devastating its impact can be.

“By sharing their stories they want to spread a message of hope, but also raise awareness around the crucial part played by research and prevention in order to win this ongoing battle," he said.

14 athletes and coaches from 7 national sports will take part in helping to raise awareness and funds on Daffodil Day this Friday.

To donate a virtual daffodil and support cancer research go to www.daffodilday.com.au/AIS