Saturday saw Grafton Hockey Association host the annual “Doin’ it for Holly” Round.

The day is named in honour of Holly Butcher, a local Graftonian and hockey player who sadly passed away in 2018 at the age of 27 after a battle with Ewings Sarcoma. Previous years have seen fundraising going to “Holly’s Rare Cancers Australia fund” but this year the Butcher family requested the funds be directed to 3-year-old Finn Donohoe and his family. Finn is currently in Sydney undergoing treatment for leukemia and the GHA community were only too happy to open their hearts and wallets to support the family.

This special community day included a barbecue, some retro grass hockey games on display from men’s B Grade, and many teams wearing something bright or special for the day. While the total funds raised is yet to be confirmed, there was so much fundraising this year, with ‘one hundred clubs’ run by Westlawn Hockey Club, Royals Hockey Club Friday night raffles, profits from the barbecue, team and individual cash donations, & GHA donation of 50 cents for every drink sold at the bar.

The other focus of “Doin’ it for Holly & Finn” day is the importance of blood donations. Each donation can save three lives and prolong the lives of people like Holly. For those wanting to sign up as blood donors, join the campaign and book an appointment under Hollys Red 25 group at lifeblood.com.au  

And once again, for anyone looking for some inspiration and perspective in their lives, why not Google search Holly Butcher and get “a bit of life advice from Hol.”

Angie Day