Sydney FC players Luke Brattan and Pat Wood have turned blue at the thought of facing Melbourne Victory this Saturday – quite literally!
The Sky Blues duo have dyed their hair ‘bad boy blue’ in time for Saturday’s Big Blue against old rivals the Victory at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7.45pm).
It’s also for a good cause in an attempt to raise money for Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave and to create awareness of men’s mental health issues as they compete for the Beyond Blue Cup.
The pair will shave off their blue hair next month in the hope of raising $10,000 for World’s Greatest Shave, after Brattan’s sister was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019.
“It’s always a huge game against Melbourne Victory and this Saturday will be no different hence why it’s called the ‘Big Blue’.
“We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to go blue and raise awareness of two great causes,” said midfielder Brattan.
“Woody is always doing something different with his hair, so he was the perfect partner to join in.”
Brattan’s sister Holli-Mia was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukaemia where more than one type of leukaemia occurs at the same time.
She is now doing well and is cancer-free after months in hospital receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant.
135,000 Australians are currently living with blood cancer and this year is the 25th anniversary of the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave.
They players’ mission is to support the Leukaemia Foundation’s goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035.
Striker Pat Wood said: “Going blue for blood cancer helps to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation so they can continue to provide expert support, accommodation, and a range of services to blood cancer patients and their families.
“The money raised will also help to fund cutting-edge research into blood cancer treatments and hopefully one day to find a cure.
“I’m looking forward to joining Luke this year and clipping off my hair for World’s Greatest Shave.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and hearing about Holli-Mia’s experience with blood cancer really prompted me to sign up to help the thousands of Aussies diagnosed every year,” said Wood.
To make a donation to support Luke and Pat’s World’s Greatest Shave campaign, please visit worldsgreatestshave.com and search Sydney FC.
Sydney FC’s clash with Melbourne Victory this Saturday will also be the 12th consecutive meeting for the Beyond Blue Cup which the Victorian’s currently hold.
The club’s partnership with the mental health organisation began in 2011 and has helped spread the word about how fans, players and the community can be there for each other.
