Club Unites for Operations Manager Fighting Cancer

Operations Manager Adam Barrett is facing one of the toughest battles of his life after being diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The diagnosis has turned his world upside down, with intense treatments, an extended hospital stay in Sydney and associated medical expenses.

Port City Bowling Club CEO Matt Swain says the news has come as a shock to staff and members, with an outpouring of support for the father of three.

“Adam is a larger-than-life character who is beloved around the Club, and if anyone can get through this, he can,” says Matt.

“He’s even nicknamed the cancerous lump on his neck ‘Doug’ and says that he wants to ‘kick Doug’s arse’.

“When we heard the news, everyone immediately sprang into action to determine how we could financially support him and his young family, which has included contributing to a Go Fund Me page and planning a huge fundraiser.”

The Bowls for Baz Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, 29 March, featuring an afternoon of barefoot bowls, auctions, raffles, live music, a dunking station and other fun activities to match Adam’s big personality.

“We’ve been incredibly moved by the generosity of other businesses who have thrown their support behind the day, including CUB, Lion, Coopers, Asahi Beverages and Drinkworks who have donated beer kegs with all the proceeds going to the fundraiser,” says Matt.

“TAB has contributed an auction prize, plus local businesses such as Bels Bakery, Waniora Butchers, Ken Little’s Fruit and Veg have all donated products to ensure everyone is fed on the day and Asset Security have provided us with resources to support us with the running of the day.”

Adam’s partner Brie and their 11-year-old daughter, five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter have remained in Port Macquarie to ensure the kids experience the normality of school while their dad undergoes treatment and a lengthy stay at Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital.

Those who attend the fundraiser will be encouraged to record video messages which will be delivered to Adam to help lift his spirits.

Anyone who can’t be there on the day is encouraged to donate to the Go Fund Me appeal, and Matt says he’s been humbled by the support of the wider club industry.

“Club Narooma and Hornsby RSL have both contributed to the appeal, with Adam having worked at Club Narooma and with Hornsby CEO David Gearing when David was the CEO here,” says Matt.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the Go Fund Me page here.