Sharks member honours mum through Shavathon
To honour his late mother, Gail Hooper, a Sharks member took part in the annual CANSA Shavathon Fundraiser.
IN honour of his late mother, John Hooper, who is a massage therapist for The Sharks rugby team, supported the annual CANSA shavathon last week.
The brave Durban North resident opted to have his head shaved in support of the annual fundraiser, while many others opted for the fun and brightly coloured hair spray.
Among the fun, bright colours and commotion, Hooper took some time to remember his mum, Gail Hooper, who battled cervical cancer for seven years. Gail succumbed to the disease last year at the age of 72.
“She was literally larger than life. She refused to let the cancer get the better of her. While the chemotherapy knocked her back she did not allow it to kill her love of life. “She has been an incredible inspiration,” he said.
Hooper said he hoped his contribution could provide some aid in the fight against the ‘terrible disease’. “We should support every effort to try and find a cure and to facilitate research and awareness. I believe that we must particularly raise awareness on early detection. Our small efforts could save a life,” he said.
The Hoopers are also supporting their aunt, who was also diagnosed with cancer.
“It has made us all conscious of the fact that anyone can be diagnosed with cancer at any time in their life, and has made us all appreciate life so much more. We have realised that life is short,” said Hooper.
Check out the CANSA Shavathon gallery here.
