ESSENDON Football Club has thrown its support behind the fundraising efforts of Laura and Glen Atwell, whose one-year-old daughter Ivy suffers from a rare form of mitochondrial disease called Leigh syndrome.
The Malvern East youngster recently celebrated her first birthday, a milestone for a tot with her rare and untreatable condition.
After appearing on the front page of the Leader last month, the family was thrilled to see the community dig deep to support their fundraiser to collect money for mitochondrial disease research.
Essendon Football Club also wasted no time jumping on board, welcoming one of their youngest — and arguably cutest fans — into the fold by inviting the passionate Essendon family for a special tour of the club rooms and a meeting with the players earlier this month.
Mr Atwell said the experience was a “fantastic day”, with little Ivy put front and centre of the team.
“My family are lifelong members and my dad signed her up the day after she was born. We’re so grateful for the football club hosting us ... and making us feel a part of the team,” he said.
Ivy was also presented with a pint-sized team jumper with her name printed on the back, so there will be no doubting where her loyalties lie when she next finds herself at a game.
Essendon Football Club captain Brendon Goddard said the club had been more than happy to rally around the Atwells to show their support.
“Ivy and her family are going through a really tough time at the moment, so for the club to provide an opportunity to meet the team and watch training from the inner sanctum is the least we could do,” Goddard said.
Ivy Atwell’s fundraiser has so far raised more than $12,000 for the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation.
To donate, visit give.everydayhero.com/au/mighty-ivy
