Corporate News

Shaun Mott is a talented sportsman and a devoted Essendon fan, well known in the Sunbury community for his competitive streak and quiet determination.

Despite being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a junior footy player, with expert medical care from the Royal Children’s Hospital he’s achieved more in 25 years than others have in a lifetime.

His neurosurgeon, Andrew, has been a constant presence in his life and along with other staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital, a source of strength and reassurance. And that’s why Shaun is throwing his weight behind the 2022 Good Friday Appeal for the house at Villawood’s Redstone community in Sunbury.

Shaun’s impressive sporting career began at Rupertswood Football Netball Club which has been sponsored by Villawood Properties for many years.

Now in his twenties, Shaun plays Powerchair sports through Powerchair Sports Victoria, having represented Victoria in Powerchair soccer and playing in the national football comps every year. He also plays for South Melbourne in the local competition.

He has represented Australia in the 2018 Powerchair hockey world championships. And if that’s not enough, he has also represented Victoria at the National Electric Wheelchair Sports Championships in Sydney in a range of sports.

“I started playing at Rupertswood with Auskick when I was very young” Shaun says. “I gave junior footy a go in the under 10s for a season and it was about that time when tests at the Royal Children’s Hospital confirmed that I had muscular dystrophy.

“I’ve seen Andrew many times since then at the hospital and he’s really friendly and easy to get along with. The first time I met him, he bagged me because I go for Essendon and he goes for Carlton. He still does it every time I see him.

“Hospitals can be daunting but my experiences at the Royal Children’s have all been positive, especially since the new hospital opened. There was always lots to do, to keep kids smiling and happy. They try really hard to make it a good environment.

“My family has also been very supportive of the club and my sport. I’ve made some of my best friends through the club. It’s been fantastic for social connections and physical enablement.

“Now the whole club is throwing its support behind the Good Friday Appeal in 2022. We all want to help raise a record-breaking amount for children in need, but for me it’s personal. I wouldn’t be living the life I am without the team at the Royal Children’s.”