Unsung heroes to be acknowledged this September

Geelong’s Kelly Cartwright knows a thing or two about what it means to be courageous and triumph when faced with adversity.

The cancer survivor, Paralympic gold medallist and world record holder has agreed to share her story at September’s Bethany Superhero Awards Breakfast – an inaugural event that sets out to acknowledge the region’s unsung heroes.

Formerly known as the Geelong Father of the Year award, this year’s recipients will be selected based on how their everyday actions benefit the lives of children and inspire them to be their best selves.

Nominations, which closed on Monday, were submitted by primary school aged children who described their role model by writing a story, poem, drawing pictures or attaching photographs.

Children were asked to submit entries into two separate categories, family and friends or teachers, coaches and community.

Kelly had part of her right leg amputated at 15 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Despite the tribulations of her youth, Kelly went on to represent Australia as a track and field athlete for over four years. The mother of two young children said she wouldn’t have achieved success if she hadn’t of endured hardship.

“I look for something positive in each day, even if some days I have to look a little harder. Being a mum means that I am responsible for nurturing and supporting two little people to grow into happy, balanced individuals,” she said.

“I know that my actions reinforce acceptable behaviours and I am conscious of how these not only impact my children but also young impressionable onlookers. Children are incredibly influential and identify with courageous, selfless, patient, caring individuals.”

The Bethany Superhero Breakfast will be hosted at GMHBA Stadium on Friday September 13 from 7.30am. Winners will receive a share in over $6,000 worth of prizes, while proceeds from the breakfast will go towards Bethany’s Family Service program.

For tickets and more information, visit bethany.org.au.