Christmas Appeal: Local Hero Cath Mott

Seeing a smile or hearing the laugh of a child cancer patient is reward enough for Cath Mott.
The Daily Post Local Hero was nominated by Lakes Child Cancer Foundation for the many years she has dedicated to the charity.
She has been on the committee for the past 12 years and spent six of those as chairwoman.
Among the work she has been involved with is organising outings for the families, fundraising and being there to support those in need.
Ms Mott's full-time job is children's outreach nurse specialist, which means each day she is visiting a child with health needs. Many of those are cancer patients so getting involved in the charity seemed a natural step.
"It was a way of giving back to the community and being able to support the children and their families on their journey.
"You see the impact of the initial diagnosis on the whole family. Being able to provide emotional or practical support for them is rewarding.
"The best thing is hearing a laugh, or seeing a child smile."
She said the foundation is not only about supporting the child but the whole family, from siblings through to grandparents.
She has helped organise outings to the Ngongotaha hatchery, Skyline Skyrides and Rainbow Springs. A special dinner for parents allows them a chance of normality.
On top of sausage sizzles at Bunnings, Ms Mott made a more personal sacrifice - shaving her head to raise more cash.
"It was emotional," she said of the day her head was shorn.
"It gave me a small idea of what it was like to lose my hair and how it changes your body image but in reality I didn't have to take the medication.
"Some of the kids were quite proud - they thought it was cool that you could look like them for a little time."
Despite the inevitable sadness that cancer can bring, Ms Mott said she felt being a volunteer with the foundation was something she wouldn't change.
"I've met a lot of people and made a lot of friends through being on the committee," she said.
"There are times when it's tough but it's not all bad. You do lose children but there's a huge number that have good prognoses and make it through and are now living good lives. I've had a couple go on to have their own families. You have to remember there are positives with every negative."
For those families whose child dies, the foundation organises a memorial day. This is for all families who have lost a child, or known a child to have died, to come together to support one another.
"Everyone has been touched by someone out there with cancer," Ms Mott said.
"When it's a child it hits the heartstrings more as they're only starting life. Adults have achieved some of their goals in life but a child is only starting out.
"There are so many charities out there that you could volunteer for," she said.
"This is the one I've chosen because I work around these children. I'm aware of what their needs are. Parents are very appreciative as there's an outlet they can go to and enjoy something that's normal rather than be stuck in a hospital or at home.
"For some families it's an opportunity they wouldn't normally get."
 
TOP VOLUNTEER
Volunteer of the Week Cath Mott receives an $85 meal voucher courtesy of the Distinction Hotel. If you know of a volunteer who deserves recognition, contact Alison King on (07) 348 6199 ext 57048 or email her at alison.king@dailypost.co.nz.