The Sharks and Eels will join forces in a special fundraising event leading into their round 2 NRL clash. The Johnny Mannah Walk for Lymphoma, from CommBank Stadium to PointsBet Stadium, aims to raise much needed funds in support of a worthy cause.
The first step was for Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta to devise a significant charity and community event, that idea expanding into literally 1000’s more steps, with the Johnny Mannah Walk for Lymphoma to see a delegation representing the Cronulla and Parramatta clubs walking from CommBank Stadium to PointsBet in raising funds for an important cause.
To be held on Thursday, March 17, the week leading into the Sharks v Eels round 2 clash, Mezzatesta will be joined by Johnny’s brother Tim, celebrities and former NRL stars for the 35km trek.
The goal is to raise funds and awareness for Lymphoma Australia in allowing them to appoint the first ever national nurse for young lymphoma patients.
“I wanted our club to create an event that could really make a difference and between the Sharks and Eels, myself and Tim, I really believe this Johnny Mannah walk can achieve that,” Mezzatesta said. “It will be long way from Parramatta to the Shire but with support from some of our corporate partners and fans of both clubs, we hope to hand over a sizeable donation on the Saturday night when the Eels come to PointsBet to play the Sharks.
“Johnny meant a lot to both clubs, he was taken from us far too soon, and this is another way for us to honour his legacy,” Mezzatesta added.
CommBank and PointsBet have already made considerable contributions in support of the walk, with all donations, big or small, welcomed and encouraged.
The two clubs also compete for the Johnny Mannah Cup on an annual basis, with the Eels currently holding the trophy.
Lymphoma is the number one cancer in the 15-29 age group and the third most common in children, with the disease taking Johnny Mannah’s life in January of 2013 at age 23.
First diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2009, Mannah bravely battled against what is often a treatable and curable cancer.
A Parramatta local junior, Mannah was then recruited by the Sharks, where he played 24 top grade games over three seasons. He returned to the Eels for the start of the 2012 season.
Throughout his treatment, during the good times and bad, Johnny was always there for others in the lymphoma community and his passion to raise awareness and support for others with the disease will be continued and celebrated with this significant event.
Mannah’s legacy is set to live on and help others through the work of the nurses to be funded to support the Australian lymphoma community.
Lymphoma Australia will walk alongside Mannah’s two NRL clubs in his memory.
While Mezzatesta and Tim Mannah will lead ‘Team Johnny’ on the walk, others set to join the delegation include former Sharks NRL stars Luke Lewis, Ben Ross, Adam Dykes, Jonathan Docking and Jeremy Latimore, with others set to commit to the event closer to the day.
Any support of all the walkers by sponsoring the “Walk for Johnny’ is greatly appreciated.
You can support the “Walk 4 Johnny’ by making a donation HERE
