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O’Donohue family enjoy special night with Manly

Sometimes in rugby league, it is more than just about the result.

With the NRL celebrating Beanie for Brain Cancer round to raise money into brain cancer research in association with the Mark Hughes Foundation, the Sea Eagles didn't hesitate to grant the wishes of the O'Donohue family.

Twelve-year-old Jack O'Donohue wrote to the foundation asking if they could help sell beanies at Canberra Stadium and maybe meet the players after losing their father, a Canberra policeman, to brain cancer.
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"I am a Manly supporter and Chris is a Raiders supporter, so this is perfect,'' Jack wrote.

"We would be happy to sell beanies and raise money to beat brain cancer as we really miss our own Dad He was the best."

After helping to sell the beanies at the ground, Manly officials met Jack, Chris and their mum, Emily, and took them down to the field to watch the Sea Eagles warm up.

With Jack proudly wearing his Manly jersey and Chris putting a Sea Eagles jersey over his Raiders jumper, the boys joined hands with captain Daly Cherry-Evans to lead the Sea Eagles onto the field.

Emily said it was a special moment for the boys.

"Jack and Chris lost their dad to brain cancer in 2013 after a very aggressive brain stem tumour. The boys were aged 8 and 7 at the time,'' Emily said.

"Their dad was a police officer in Canberra who loved his job and working in the Canberra community.

"We can't thank the Sea Eagles enough for the wonderful experience Jack and Chris had at the game.

"The opportunity to help lead Manly onto the field was a very special experience and one the boys will never forget.

"Thank you to the Manly staff, Daly Cherry-Evans, and all the team for this wonderful night.

"We also like to thank the Mark Hughes Foundation and Farrah Lance from the NRL for their assistance on the night. It is a beautiful memory for the boys."

 

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Manly Warringah Sea Eagles respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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