The Mandurah Makos Masters Football Club was left shattered at the loss of four-year-old Amber Field, daughter of player Tim and his wife Kirstin, in August last year.
Amber died following surgery after a lengthy battle with congenital heart disease, leaving the Makos family shocked as they rallied behind Tim and Kirstin and their sons Patrick and Daniel.
But almost exactly a year on, the club will use its next home carnival to honour Amber’s memory and raise funds for children’s charities Heartkids and the Starlight Foundation.
The day (held on Sunday, August 12) will see 32 teams from around the metropolitan area flock to Mandurah’s Rushton Park, with almost 1000 people in attendance.
The carnival will embrace a sea of colour in honour of Amber – who loved all things superheroes – with children sporting their favourite costumes while the Makos rattle donation tins and spread awareness for the charity organisations.
The Field family holds a close connection to both foundations, which stood by their side through Amber’s surgeries and time in hospital, along with the footy club.
Her mother Kirstin said the family couldn’t be more thankful for the support, and was hoping to repay the faith shown to them through the memorial day.
“The club, the charities, everyone close to us – all of them were such a huge part of the journey and they’ve been amazing,” she said.
“The Makos are our family, and for them to go out of their way and help us like this, it’s hard to put thanks into words.”
Amber’s father Tim shared that gratitude.
“I think it’s the prime example of the Makos’ club culture, to put on a day like this for us and our family,” he said.
“If someone falls we pick them up.”
Makos president Tony Wilkey said the day was a show of support, and would be used to spread a message as much as raise funds.
“These charities are doing great work for families going through similar hardships to Tim and Kirstin, so we’ll try and use this day to make sure they get the recognition they deserve,” he said.
“We’re a community and a family more than a club, so this is really important to us.”
For more information on the day visit the Mandurah Makos Facebook page.
To find out more about the charities, visit heartkids.org.au or starlight.org.au
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
