Blues captain’s cuddle for Molly
BACK in June 2019, Dubbo’s Molly Croft met one of her idols, NSW Blue’s women’s captain Kezie Apps, with the rugby league star presenting her personalised footy boot to her own “real-life hero”, the young cancer survivor.
Fast-forward to April 30 this year and Kezie had scheduled a Zoom catch-up with her mate Molly as her school, Dubbo’s St John’s College was celebrating Footy Colours Day, a national fundraising campaign that helps kids with cancer – both are ambassadors for the campaign.
Staff and students shared in Molly’s gobsmacked surprise when Kezie showed up to St Johns College in person.
“I just kinda stood still, my mouth was open and I looked at her and thought, “Is she really here?”. I was a bit shocked. I didn’t know what to say”, Molly told Dubbo Photo News.
Kezie said, “Look at me, I’m here, give me a cuddle!”
Molly said Kezie has been one of her idols “for ever”.
“Before I was diagnosed and went to Westmead for treatment, I had been in contact with Kez and she came out to visit me. We had been friends for it seemed like forever but through that time I think we got even closer.”
For her part, Kezie says Molly is “amazing”.
“Molly just reminded me I sent her a video of my career before we got to meet properly at a function at ANZ Stadium. We were all sitting at the same table – Molly, her parents and some others from the hospital,” the footy star said.
“They were such a beautiful family. It just reminded me of my own because I’m a country girl from Bega on the south coast and I really felt for them all going through such a hard time, especially as Molly was so young.
“She had her whole sporting career in front of her and it was horrible to hear that she would not be able to live out those dreams.”
Kezie believes Molly is still a superstar, just not on the courts, and says to have her hopes shattered must have been devastating. The rugby league star is full of admiration that the youngster has picked herself up and is now doing so much for others.
“We’ve become very good friends. She’s so beautiful and her family is so beautiful so when I knew the Footy Colours Day was happening in Dubbo I said to my manager, “Why don’t I fly out and surprise her?”
Molly says she looks up to Kezie and the Australian Jillaroo says she’s proud to be Molly’s role model.
The students and teachers at St Johns paid a gold coin to wear their club’s colours in a tribute to Molly and her fund-raising efforts for cancer support.
Mum Ange was over the moon at Kezie’s surprise visit.
“I have no words for what happened today,” she said.
“What an amazing surprise when Kezie walked into Moll’s school today – Kezie, we can’t thank you enough. Moll puts on a brave face everyday, but some days are harder than others. You turning up today was on cue, perfect in every way.
“Forever grateful. Blessed.”