Special supporter to live out a dream at the MCG

nib foundation and the Geelong Cats will help a special young fan live out a dream in the lead up to Saturday night’s blockbuster clash with Hawthorn.

After losing his foot in a lawn mower accident seven years ago, nine-year-old Col Pearse from the border town of Echuca, will run out alongside his hero and club captain, Joel Selwood, onto the MCG in front of an expected crowd of more than 80,000.

Col’s mother, Teena Pearse, said her son has hardly been able to contain his excitement since being made aware of this opportunity.

“This will be such a wonderful experience, not only for Col but the whole family. We still can’t believe that he is getting this the chance to run onto the MCG with his favourite footy team,” Mrs Pearse said.

Col’s passion for his beloved Cats is hard to miss after recently receiving a new prosthetic foot that carries Geelong’s famous navy and white hoops and club emblem.

“He simply loves the Geelong Cats and could think of no better way to show this passion than by carrying the club colours on his new foot,” Mrs Pease added.

The once in a lifetime opportunity has been made possible by the Cats’ elite partner, nib health funds, and their charitable organisation, nib foundation.

The foundation established a partnership with Limbs 4 Life in 2012 to support a new program for youth with limb deficiencies and their families living in Victoria.

The Carers, Children and Youth program matches new parents or young adults with volunteers with similar experiences, helping to provide knowledge and inspiration that only another person in their situation can provide.

In preparation for his appearance at the ‘G’ on Saturday night, Col and his family travelled to Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Tuesday to meet some of his heroes and receive a guided tour of Cats Headquarters.