Heartfelt hospital visit brings perspective for Swifts trio

NSW Swifts players Sarah Klau, Grace Nweke and Paige Hadley were on hand last week for a tour of the Children’s Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) at Westmead Children’s Hospital, giving the trio the chance to connect with the dedicated scientists, researchers, and young patients benefiting from the work of The Kids’ Cancer Project. 

The Kids’ Cancer Project’s partnership with the Swifts is a storied one, with the famed netball club raising over $1 million to fight childhood cancer through initiatives like Crazy Hair and Sock Day.  

As Paige, Grace and Sarah learned firsthand during their visit, this collaboration is making a real difference, both for the children fighting cancer and the researchers pushing the boundaries of medical science. 

“We’ve had a connection with them for a while now,” Sarah says.  

“It's really special to have the opportunity to go into the hospital and meet the scientists and research assistants who are conducting CAR T-Cell therapy – to go into their labs and see what they're doing, and to see how the money that we’re raising is helping The Kids’ Cancer Project fund these research projects.” 

The three players were shown the groundbreaking leukaemia research being undertaken by The Kids’ Cancer Project-funded scientists, as well as the development of therapies targeting other cancers like bone and brain cancer. Sarah was particularly impressed by the commitment and passion the scientists have for their work. 

“It’s fascinating to see the work that they’re doing. It’s incredible.  

“They’ve (the researchers) obviously got a couple of therapies keeping certain leukaemias under control. I was really fascinated to see how passionate they are about creating clinical trials and the processes around that." 

The players also visited the oncology ward, meeting several childhood cancer patients undergoing treatment. Their visit brought a much-needed dose of cheer, handing out a number of The Kids’ Cancer Project Bears to those who need them most. 

“Meeting some of the beautiful kids in there and giving them a big cuddly teddy bear to try and brighten up their day was so special,” Paige says.  

“It just gave us a whole lot of perspective and a lot of gratitude to have the help that we do. 

“To see the passion from the scientists and the resilience of these young kids really inspires us. Playing netball is the least we can do to raise these funds for clinical trials and a better future for these kids.” 

The Swifts' commitment to The Kids’ Cancer Project continues with Crazy Hair & Sock Day once more. In 2025, netball clubs and associations across NSW will once again host this fun event, where participants don their wackiest hairdos and colourful socks to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research. 

The Kids’ Cancer Project’s Head of Campaigns, Kimberley Chapple, says that the partnership between the Swifts and The Kids’ Cancer Project continues to go from strength to strength.  

“We’re immensely thankful for the support of the NSW Swifts and their commitment to funding childhood cancer research.  

“The 2025 edition of Crazy Hair & Sock Day is shaping up as our best year yet, and we can’t wait to see our incredible associations put on their crazy socks and show us their looney locks, all while helping us in realising our dream of no child dying from cancer.” 

The official date for Crazy Hair & Sock Day is Saturday 26th July, but associations can do this on any day that suits their calendar.