Deven Robertson torn jumper: Brisbane Lions open auction to raise funds for breast cancer

In the midst of a premiership pursuit, the Lions have rallied around one of their own for a cause close to their heart.

Midfielder Jarrod Berry will pound the pavement in November to run a marathon in honour of his late mother, Jedda, who passed away in 2013 after a long battle with breast cancer.

Five years ago, Berry helped raise $60,000 for Brisbane Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) by shaving his head and this year — on the 10th anniversary of Jedda’s passing — his goal is to honour her memory in a different way.

“It’s not so much about the money this year it’s more about her legacy and what she left with all us three (Berry) boys and our two best mates,” Berry said.

“We want to bring the community back together to celebrate some of the life lessons she taught us.

“Running a marathon personifies a few of those: resilience, hard work and grit – that’s why we’re doing it.

“BCNA Pink Lady were a massive support for our family when mum was going through that chemo battle so we’re really looking forward to bringing the community together and having some fun while doing it.”

Berry is a beloved player and person at the Lions and the club has regularly worked with him to help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.

Clutching Robertson’s ripped jumper on Tuesday, Berry revealed his fellow midfielder’s inspiration to capture the social media madness that followed his jumper being torn off during the round 23 clash with Collingwood.

“Dev came to me the other day and obviously this (the torn jumper) is a big topic at the moment,” Berry said.

“He asked if we’d auction it off and donate the money to (BCNA).

“(It was) pretty special by Dev (to do that) and I jumped at the opportunity.

“Firstly, a massive shout out to Dev and secondly, please get on board and try and raise some money for an awesome cause which is really close to me.”

Berry will have minimal time to properly train for the marathon – especially if the Lions make it to the final Saturday day in September – but it’s a hurdle he’s happy to tackle in memory of mum.

“The lessons that mum taught us individually and as a community back in Horsham, we really wanted to touch on those and I reckon a marathon really touches on that,” he said.

“She had a seven or eight-year battle with breast cancer, then spreading to her body and there was never once a complaint made.

“It was always ‘get on with the job; take the positives out of a negative situation’ and a marathon personifies that.”

Interested bidders can find the auction at galabid.com/lionshalloffame/items.

The auction closes 10pm Wednesday.

Originally published as Deven Robertson torn jumper: Brisbane Lions open auction to raise funds for breast cancer