Steven and Lisa Kidd, with son Mitchell, were overcome with emotion after the wider Narre Warren community rallied to help them out last weekend. By Callan Date
MATESHIP among the Narre Warren football and cricket communities has stretched beyond the boundary and into the backyard of respected player Steven Kidd.
Mr Kidd’s wife Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer in January and the couple, along with their 10-month old son Mitchell, have since faced up to a multitude of challenges that come with the dreaded disease.
A host of medical appointments have followed to try and beat Mrs Kidd’s cancer, diagnosed as one of the most aggressive types there is.
The outlook is uncertain at this stage, but the Kidd family has been lifted by the support they have received from the local community.
Last Saturday friends and family members joined footballers, cricketers and teachers at the Kidds’ Clematis property.
Former Narre Warren Football Club coach Austinn Jones and retired players Travis Marsham and Glenn Hamilton organised the effort.
About 60 people turned up to transform the backyard into a landscaped oasis for the family.
The 230-game player said it was an emotional day for his family.
“It really was an amazing day. They just got here and went off and got everything done,” Mr Kidd said.
“There was no whingeing about the hot weather or anything like that. It was a real feel-good day and everybody really enjoyed helping out.”
Mrs Kidd said she was also overwhelmed by the occasion.
“The support that we have had has just been amazing,” she said. “It has been a hard couple of months for us.”
The former teacher at Beaconsfield Upper Primary School is undergoing chemotherapy in her bid to overcome the cancer.
“Parents and staff at the school are taking it in turns to bring dinner around each night to help us out.”
Mr Kidd said he was grateful to the many people who helped out on the day.
“It has been awesome and we really wanted to convey our thanks to everyone who was involved,” he said.
“The staff and parents at Upper Beaconsfield Primary School have been great too.”
Mr Kidd said several businesses had also helped out, with Beaconsfield Timber and Hardware supplying a large amount of building materials free.
“Sapphire Spas, Evergreen Turf and lots of other businesses have also supported us,” he said.
“It was hard to thank everyone on the day because we were both quite emotional. We are just so thankful and really wanted to convey our thanks to everyone.”
