Molly Port
Molly Port plays soccer for the Under 15s with Kingborough (she is currently 13 years old) and is a student at Tarremah Rudolf Steiner School in Year 8. As part of the year 8 curriculum the students are required to undertake a major independent project, the subject of which is entirely up to the individual student, it needed to be something that inspired or interested them.
Molly decided that she wanted to do a charity walk for the Cancer Council as her much-loved grandmother ('Momo') died from cancer four years ago and Molly was deeply saddened by her passing. We decided that the East coast of Tasmania, from St. Helens to Orford would be a good route and so began the planning.
The Cancer Council Tasmania proved to be exceptionally supportive with ideas, guidance, media contacts and general encouragement. There was a huge amount of planning to be done and Sally, Molly's Mum took on a large amount of the administration. Quicksilver and Australian Geographic donated goods in order for Molly to put together a raffle which will be drawn at the end of the month. David Boon agreed to become one of Molly's mentors after having done a similar charity walk himself about three years ago. David was very supportive and gave Molly lots of sound advice. The Tasmanian Tigers cricket team donated a signed bat to Molly after winning the Pura Cup which will be auctioned off at the Cancer Council's Gala Ball on April 21st. Accommodation for the 9 days of the walk was all donated as well as a number of evening meals.
Molly's venture was taken up enthusiastically by the Mercury who gave her story front page coverage as well as an additional article when Molly was presented with the cricket bat by the captain of the Tigers in Parliament Gardens. Heart FM radio interviewed Molly prior to the walk as well as phoning her daily for an update during the walk itself. She was also interviewed by ABC radio and upon completion of the walk in Orford was interviewed and appeared on Southern Cross News.
Collection tins from the Cancer Council were placed in a variety of shops and businesses in Hobart and down the East Coast and approaches for sponsorship were made to individuals, businesses and service clubs.
Molly was supported on the walk itself by her parents with a bike and a car and trailer and a family friend who acted as her co-walker. The experience of the walk was quite amazing in that she experienced still, sunny days every day!! The scenery was, of course, breathtakingly beautiful and the kindness and generosity of the Tasmanian population was overwhelming. There were times when she was too hot, weary, bored and had blisters but overall she kept her spirits up wonderfully well but was very glad when it was finally all over. Molly had initially thought that she might raise $1000 but it looks like it will be nearer to $10,000!!
