Sam Docherty wins 2023 Jim Stynes Award
2 min read 26 September 2023
AFL's inspirational Sam Docherty has claimed the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his work with Peter Mac.
A beacon of hope for those battling illness, the Carlton FC veteran has used his platform to raise awareness and vital funds for cancer research, having recovered twice from testicular cancer.
An Observer to the Board of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Sam plays an active role both inside and outside the football club in his fundraising efforts.
“On the back-end of my cancer treatment, I was looking to give back. With my personal connection, I wanted to dig my roots in deeper this time,” says Sam
“Why I do everything that I do now has changed significantly: I’ve got a family, but secondary to that is to give back to people that are going through a tough time.”
In a moving acceptance speech at last night’s Brownlow Medal ceremony, Sam spoke to the impact of generous Australians who support Peter Mac.
“Your donations thrive. They make these places work and I just want to say from being on the other side of it, laying in a hospital bed, it’s not just the money it’s the emotional support that you give. Thank you, from my heart.”
Watch Sam's full speech here.
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan praised Sam for his commitment to using his platform and passion to help others going through similar journeys.
“Sam should be incredibly proud of this achievement, and I’d like to congratulate him on the tremendous support and advocacy he’s provided for patients, families and everyone in the community who has been impacted by cancer,” Gillon said.
“The way Sam has been able to use his own personal experience to give hope, inspiration and raise an enormous amount of funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and other charities is a testament to his character.”
Proudly supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, Sam will donate $20,000 of his winnings to Peter Mac to help change the future of cancer research.
A huge congratulations and thank you to Sam and Carlton FC for their continued support of the work we do, and their incredible advocacy for men's health.
