Back to School with Rugby Player Dan Carter
CanTeen Ambassador Dan Carter took a trip back to school today (Tuesday 11 December), when lucky students from
Somerville Intermediate in Howick were treated to a visit from the star rugby player.
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Somerville Intermediate has 900 students and won the opportunity for Dan to visit their school as part of their
contribution to CanTeen’s Annual Bandanna Week appeal. They were delighted to have the exclusive opportunity and without
a doubt it was the highlight of the school year for many.
Carter spent an hour with the students answering their questions which ranged from: What it is like working with Coach
Graham Henry? to What is the greatest mark in your career so far?
“The best thing about the visit was playing catch with Dan and also that he took the time to talk to everyone
personally,” says Tom Moody (11 years old) who plays on the school’s Rugby Team.
The rugby hero’s dedication shone through as he listened to CanTeen members Andrew and Sarah Maud talk about their
cancer journey and the support CanTeen had given them along the way. This was followed by the QnA session where the
students asked Dan questions.
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“Today was a real highlight for me. It was great to see the school come together and see their enthusiasm and support
for CanTeen. There really is an awesome community spirit here and it’s fantastic the kids got so into it,” says Carter.
Dan’s involvement with CanTeen began after meeting CanTeen members Tom and Trudi in Christchurch. Their positive
attitude and lust for life motivated him to become a CanTeen Ambassador after they passed away.
“After you meet CanTeen members you can’t help but be inspired by them and what CanTeen does to support young people
living with cancer,” he says.
CanTeen provides support for young cancer patients, their siblings and bereaved siblings during and after their cancer
journey.
“We know teenage years can be some of the toughest, dealing with issues of self worth, identity, intimacy, independence
and peer pressure are challenges for all young people, but when cancer enters the mix it can be overwhelming,” says
CanTeen Marketing Manager Brad Clark.
CanTeen was built upon the fundamental belief that young people - through meeting, talking and sharing their experiences
- would be better able to cope with the uncertainties of living with cancer. The idea that “It’s better when you’re not
alone” is more than just a catch phrase for almost 1,000 CanTeen members across New Zealand.
“With community minded leaders like Dan on board and support from the public and schools like Somerville Intermediate,
we can raise the profile and funds to support more of the estimated 12,500 CanTeen aged people living with cancer in New
Zealand. It really is better when you’re not alone!” says Clark.
Photos by Rob Trathen
ENDS