Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to share with the House the inspirational story of Nathan Connor, a student at Wyong High School in the Dobell electorate. Nathan and his brother, Mitchell, tragically lost their mother to cancer in 2013. Reflecting upon his loss, Nathan said:

Cancer is one of those things you know is there and you hear stories everyday about people being diagnosed with cancer … but it is never something you think will ever affect you or your loved ones. Even through this whole fight, I still never thought it would ever come to the moment we were faced with.

Inspired by their loss, Nathan and Mitchell undertook a 219 kilometre bicycle ride to raise money for cancer research. Along with their teacher Mr Mick Sugitha, they raised $7,500 in a short amount of time and participated in the Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer. Held on 11 and 12 October, the ride through the Blue Mountains benefits the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, a world-class integrated cancer treatment centre.

In addition to Nathan's dedication and commitment to this worthy cause, he is also a strong role model for the youth of the Central Coast. Nathan recently participated in Wyong Shire Council's youth mock council and is an enthusiastic member of the Dobell Youth Advisory Committee.

At a recent meeting of the committee, Nathan shared with us his willingness to be a champion for student mental wellbeing at Wyong High School and to support his fellow students who may be experiencing a difficult time. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know young Nathan over recent months, and I am proud to share his willingness to help others with this parliament.