United by a shared mission of science, support, and hope, NSW Swifts players Sarah Klau, Grace Nweke and Paige Hadley visited the Children’s Cancer Research Unit (CCRU) at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead earlier this week. During their visit, they connected with the dedicated researchers and courageous young patients whose lives are being transformed by the vital fundraising work of The Kids’ Cancer Project (TKCP) - a national independent charity committed to funding childhood cancer research.
The Swifts have long supported TKCP, raising over $1 million to fight childhood cancer through initiatives like Crazy Hair and Sock Day. As Paige, Grace and Sarah learned firsthand during their visit, this collaboration is making a real difference, both for the children fighting cancer and the researchers pushing the boundaries of medical science.
“We’ve had a connection with TKCP for a while now,” Sarah Klau shared. “It's really special to have the opportunity to go into the hospital, to meet the scientists and research assistants who are conducting CAR T-cell therapy — to go into their labs and see what they're doing. To see how the money that we’re raising is helping The Kids’ Cancer Project fund these research projects.”
The trio visited the CCRU lab, where they were shown groundbreaking work being done on leukaemia treatments and therapies targeting other cancers, like bone and brain cancer. Sarah was particularly impressed by the commitment and passion the scientists have for their work.
“It is really cool and really fascinating to see the work that they’re doing. It’s incredible. I was really fascinated to see how passionate they are about creating clinical trials and the processes around that,” Sarah explained.
After their time in the lab, the players made their way to the oncology ward, where they met with brave children currently undergoing treatment. With warm smiles and comforting TKCP teddy bears in hand, they brought a moment of joy and hope, turning an ordinary day into something special for these truly special young kids.
“We got to visit the children’s ward and meet some of the beautiful kids in there and give them a big cuddly teddy bear to try and brighten up their day,” Paige said. “We had the chance to ask them a few questions and have that connection, which is so special.”
Despite facing difficult circumstances, the children’s resilience and positivity left a lasting impact on the Swifts players.
“It just gave us a whole lot of perspective and a lot of gratitude to have the help that we do,” Paige reflected. “To see the passion from the scientists and seeing these young kids who are unwell but so resilient, still maintaining such a positive attitude — it really inspires us. To be able to play netball and do what we love, it’s honestly the least we can do to raise these funds, whether it’s through crazy socks or doing our crazy hair, to help fund clinical trials and see a better future for these young kids.”
The Swifts' commitment to The Kids’ Cancer Project continues with Crazy Hair & Sock Day once more. In 2025, netball clubs and associations across NSW will once again host this fun event, where participants don their wackiest hairdos and colourful socks to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
The goal of Crazy Hair & Sock Day is simple: to make a difference while having fun. As Sarah put it, “It’s an easy and fun way to make a positive impact and help support this amazing cause.”
Through the partnership with Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, TKCP, the Swifts and the wider NSW netball community are continuing to make strides in the fight against childhood cancer, one crazy sock at a time.
The official date for Crazy Hair & Sock Day is Saturday 26th July, but associations can do this on any day that suits their calendar.
Associations can register via the Crazy Hair & Sock Day website.
NSW Swifts
