Thunderbirds honour junior fan Madi

It was an emotional day for WA Women’s Football League team Peel Thunderbirds as they ran on to Bendigo Bank Stadium on Sunday in honour of Madi Molloy.

A minute’s silence was held at the start of both the league and reserves games between the Thunderbirds and Swan Districts in honour of 11-year-old Madi, who died last Wednesday after a battle with brain cancer.

A keen footy fan and the Thunderbirds’ number one junior ticket holder, Secret Harbour resident Madi rarely missed a chance to support her local team and was thought of as a little sister by many of the players.

Thunderbirds president Ann Fenton said it was an emotional day for all involved, with Madi’s parents, brothers, uncles and grandparents all attending the game.

“More than 400 people came down to watch, which was amazing, and we released 100 balloons on the oval while playing Madi’s favourite song,” she said.

“The girls played in what will now be known as the Madi’s Day Cup and we will use the day to hold a fundraiser for brain cancer each year.”

Madi became involved with the Thunderbirds after her aunt started playing on the team.

The club held a raffle on Sunday at the match and raised $3000 to help the Molloy family with medical and funeral costs.

“It was a lovely day and a beautiful celebration for a beautiful life,” Ms Fenton said.