I have recently become a representative for the McGuinness McDermott foundation. Below is some history on the MMF, and you can find out more about the Foundation by checking out www.mcfoundation.com.au or following their Facebook page by searching McGuinness McDermott Foundation.

The McGuinness McDermott Foundation (‘MMF’) was launched on 30th May 1996 by former Adelaide Football Club (Crows) captains Tony McGuinness and Chris McDermott with the aim to improve areas of Oncology treatment and facilities for children and their families in South Australia.

Over the past 14 years more than $12 million has been raised for various projects. Current major projects include the new Haematology and Oncology Centre and MRI Machine.

Every year an average of 60 South Australian children are diagnosed with cancer. Over the past 14 years, advancements in the care and facilities for children with cancer have improved to the point that there is now an 85% survival rate.

The McGuinness McDermott Foundation Survivorship Service provides practical support for children living with cancer and their families including a physical rehabilitation program, psychological services, wellness services (lifestyle support), a social based peer support program and much more.

I am going to become involved not only by meeting with the children and their families but also as an extension of the physical rehabilitation program by taking the children and their families for rides along the river Torrens or out on the velodrome. Something I very much look forward to.

I am also participating in the Survivorship Service’s art therapy program. This program gives children living with cancer a fun way to express their emotions, release stress and regain their confidence. I am painting a piece which will be auctioned by the MMF to raise much needed funds for this great program. My painting, along with others created by celebrities and the children the MMF supports will be auctioned at a special art exhibition to be held at the Sea House, Glenelg on Sunday 10^th October, the day I return from the Indian Commonwealth Games.

Anyone interested in bidding for a special piece for their home or work place please by all means come along and have a great afternoon. More information will be available closer to the date so keep your ears to the ground for that.

Join me and them in helping to make a difficult time for kids with cancer and their families a little easier and by aiming to raise funds and try to create special moments for the children.

Heck out the progression and conclusion photos of my artwork in the photos attached. I had a wonderful time doing this painting and hope that it goes not only to a good home but gains funds that will change a little someone’s life.

On behalf of the McGuinness McDermott Foundation I would like to sincerely welcome Anna into our family.

Fair to say she has landed with a bang and made an unbelievable impression in a very short time.

Our kids adore her ,our sponsors and supporters were absolutely mesmerised by her when she spoke at one of our functions recently and fair to say we can’t wait to get our hands on her for more of the same.

I don’t make this statement lightly but Anna will surpass even her greatest sporting achievements in her life after cycling and I hope many of her comrades  and fellow athletes will follow her lead in becoming more Community conscious and help pave the way for a much better life for children throughout Australia that have significant obstacles in their path.

We wish her well in her endeavours on the bike and thank her for helping enhance the lives of many of South Australia’s seriously ill kids.

Chris McDermott

Director MMF