Brisbane Roar and the Australian footballing community will be getting behind Rebekah Stott this weekend as the former Roar defender continues her inspirational BEAT IT mission after being diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in February.
Stott, who came through the QAS before joining the Roar in 2010, has already raised more than $20,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation and is preparing to take part in the World’s Greatest Shave on Monday, 29 March.
Her incredible attitude has inspired clubs across the Westfield W-League to show their support and the New Zealand international’s friends, opponents and former team-mates in Brisbane are doing their bit to boost her efforts.
My diagnosis of Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma was a lengthy eight month process. From the very beginning, I've been determined to beat whatever stood in front of me and inspire others along the way.
Follow my journey and let's beat this thing together ? https://t.co/VRgQ3m2TS2 pic.twitter.com/l0XriEOvJ7
— Rebekah Stott (@stotty_13) March 17, 2021
Tameka Yallop and Liv Chance have donated signed Westfield Matildas and Football Ferns jerseys among several more prizes to be raffled off by The Roar Corps, the team’s active supporter group, who will also be collecting donations at this Sunday’s final round game against Newcastle Jets at Lions Stadium (kick-off 5:05pm).
Roar midfielder Chance grew up not far from Stott in New Zealand and thepair have become close throughout their many years together in the national team.
She encouraged all Roar fans and the broader football community to support Stott’s campaign in any way possible.
“We’ve known each other for a long time,” Chance said. “She’s a similar age to me and we’ve experienced a lot together. She’s a great person, a great personality to have on any team.
“The girls love her. She’s an extremely positive person and you’ve seen that already with how she’s handled the diagnosis and everything so far.
“We’ve got full belief that she’s going to come back stronger. She’s just teaching us all the lesson right now to treasure the game, all the moments we get and not to take them for granted.
“This year was the first time we were actually going to play in England together, then I made the switch to the W-League and she switched to England. We had a laugh about that, that we were switching places.
“I can’t wait to see her back on the pitch, back in a New Zealand shirt and just back playing football. It will be a special moment.
“But right now, it’s about everyone getting behind her and supporting her wherever and however they can.
“She’s not someone that wants a lot of attention, but she definitely deserves the support of us and the women’s football community.”
Roar fans can follow Stotty’s journey to BEAT IT at www.beatitbystotty.com and can sponsor her ahead of the World’s Greatest Shave by clicking HERE.
