HUGH Worrall faced many challenges in his decorated football career, but nothing like the trauma when his beloved wife Heather was diagnosed with cancer last year.
For months he and his family and friends nursed Heather at their Port Campell home as she deteriorated with liver cancer.
It was only in the last few weeks before her October 30 death that she was hospitalised.
Now the family is keen to encourage others who face similar challenges.
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During the weekend, 21 of the clan including the Worralls’ two daughters, one son and eight grandchildren participated in the Warrnambool Relay For Life under a “Heather’s Heroes” banner. The idea to form a team came from Mr Worrall’s son-in-law Leon Carey, of Southern Cross, who encouraged them to join the effort, which has raised about $1.5 million locally.
“It’s a cold night out here, but nothing compared with what people have gone through with cancer,” Mr Carey said.
For Mr Worrall the relay gave him opportunities to rub shoulders with others with similar heartaches.
“You don’t realise how many people are affected by this disease,” he said. “It’s a very special time for us and will help us heal.”
In a few weeks, when Mr Worrall runs onto the footy oval again for his 400th game as a central umpire, he’ll be whistling for Heather.
pcollins@standard.fair fax.com.au
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