We’re often touched by stories from our members who find hope in footy as they battle to overcome adversity. This story is heartbreaking, and we wanted to help.
Drew Duncan was a passionate Sydney Swans member and proud dad to Henry, four, and an unborn little girl, due on January 1 next year. His friends describe him as an everyday bloke, loved by many.
In September, Drew was struck down by Influenza A and spent two weeks in intensive care. He never recovered and died at just 32. ‘Cheer, cheer’ was the tune that rang out at his funeral.
Wanting to help his family, three of Drew’s mates, Adam, Craig and James, set out on a fundraising mission. They met Drew working at Queensland’s Daydream Island – postcode 4802, which sparked an idea for a push up challenge.
The three friends started with 32 push ups a day, in honour of Drew’s age at his passing, and they are adding one push up each day until they reach a cumulative total of 4,802. Each time they undertake the push ups for Drew, the friends don some red and white, to represent his passion for the Swans. They are sharing the journey on social media to raise funds for Drew’s wife Emily and their young family, and so far have raised almost $83,000.
This week, the trio enlisted the support of Sydney Swans assistant coaches Nick Malceski and Mark McVeigh, and Head of Athletic Performance Shane Lehane. Together, they each completed 100 push ups on the indoor field at Sydney Swans HQ, and shared stories about Drew’s passion for his beloved Swans.
You can follow their journey on Instagram @cryan_85 or donate here.
