By Brendan Rees
Family and friends came together for a friendly football match in memory of a much-loved team mate on Sunday 29 July.
A fundraiser was held between Devon Meadows Junior Football Club and The Pines Junior Football Club at Casey Fields to support the family of the late Tom Cairney.
Organised by Cranbourne East Secondary College and supported by the two football clubs, the day raised more than $4000.
Activities included a sausage sizzle thanks to donations from Lyndon’s Butcher Rowville and Casey Central Bakers Delight, face painting activities and a lolly jar guessing raffle.
Tom, 14, died of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic condition of the heart muscle that often shows no symptoms until it is too late. He died in his sleep from the condition in April this year.
“We have lost not just a friend but a brother to all of us,” said teammate and Cranbourne East Secondary College student Shaun Warren.
“We decided to put together a fundraiser match game to help support Tom’s family with all the expenses, just to help give them one less thing to worry about.”
Devon Meadows managed to win the game for Tom. “We walked off proud and into our rooms and sang our song loud and proud so Tom could hear us up there,” Shaun said.
Tom’s mother Jodie Cairney said she was overwhelmed by the community’s support.
“We had a great turn out to watch the game which was made even better with a fantastic win,” she said.
“We have been shown amazing support and love from Tom’s coaches, fellow team mates and their families as well as continuing to be embraced by the wider DMJFC family. We wish to thank everyone involved in making Tom’s memorial game a success.”
Devon Meadows coach Brent McMillan said Tom was “one of the biggest hearts around” the club.
“His development not only as a footballer but as a young man was astounding,” he said. “His kindness towards others was probably his biggest asset.”
“On the footy field he was tough, courageous and most of all selfless.
“These boys have shown a great level of maturity to push forward in Tommy’s memory. For a group of 14 year-old kids, they have embraced and supported each other through the toughest of days,” he said.
