Footy stars to shine for fundraiser

Former West Coast Eagles star Glen Jakovich knew before most teenagers the meaning of palliative care.

Having lost his father to cancer when he was 15, and later becoming the primary carer of his mother who suffered dementia, Jakovich has grown a strong bond with one of Albany’s shining examples of community spirit.

The annual Albany Community Hospice Charity Golf Day will reach a significant milestone next Tuesday when the total funds raised will reach the $250,000 mark.

A decade on since the first event, this year’s fundraiser, spread over two days, is set to better last year’s record of $40,000.

After becoming involved in in 2011, Jakovich has helped lift the event’s profile and this year has also roped in another AFL star to take part, Fremantle Docker Hayden Ballantyne.

Jakovich praised the commitment of event founder David Gee and co-organiser and hospice board member Todd McGregor.

“I love those blokes — they’re knocking on everyone’s door for a donation or to be involved in some form, even if you donate a packet of golf balls,” he said.

“I just love the spirit behind this golf day and everyone involved.

“I’ve met some really genuine people at the golf day in the last two years and I look at going down there next week with a fair bit of excitement as I can’t wait.”

Ballantyne will add to the profile of this year’s event as will the real “Happy Gilmores” of golf, Australian long-drive champions Brent “Karnage” Kearney and Mark “Shrek” Bylsma, who can both hit the ball 400 metres.

Jakovich said the work of hospice carers was close to his heart.

“I really enjoy the spirit and the energy and the efforts shown by the people behind the scenes that actually don’t want to be acknowledged,” he said.

“They are just there to do a job and they want to beat $40,000 and beat it well, they don’t want to beat it up a dollar.”

Mr Gee said Monday’s dinner and memorabilia auction at Albany Golf Club was a sell-out, and the golf day was also again at capacity with 144 golfers to hit the fairways on Tuesday morning.