THE DOWNS SPOTLIGHT | People That Make Our Club
It was a chemotherapy session with a difference for The Downs’ Kara Vass, who received a surprise visit from television presenter Davina McCall and Scamp & Dude founder Jo Tutchener Sharp OBE whilst undergoing treatment in hospital. Never one to miss an opportunity to talk about netball, Kara was soon telling Davina all about her coaching at The Downs!
The visit was part of Scamp & Dude’s inspirational Super Scarf Mission, which aims to provide comfort and support to every woman starting chemotherapy across the UK. For every Super Scarf purchased, another is donated to a woman beginning treatment. Over 95,000 scarves have already been donated through this wonderful initiative.
Kara has been part of The Downs since she was a junior and is now coaching our U14 Performance Squad. A single mum of three and a PE teacher in Surbiton, Kara from Sutton in Surrey, leads an incredibly busy and active life. In May this year, however, her world changed when she was diagnosed with cancer.
One of the hardest challenges for Kara was keeping her diagnosis quiet for six weeks whilst her son Fin completed his GCSEs, alongside the uncertainty of waiting for scan results and making difficult decisions about her treatment.
What is so remarkable about Kara is her determination to continue living her life. Throughout her treatment, she has continued coaching, sharing her passion for netball with our younger players and maintaining her wonderful sense of humour. Even during chemotherapy, her fabulous Scamp & Dude scarf, painted nails and earrings caught Davina’s attention!
When asked about her approach to life, Kara shared a message that resonates well beyond her own circumstances:
“Control the controllable and live each day as it comes!”
Kara’s story also highlights something incredibly special about netball and the role it plays in women’s lives. For so many mums, juggling careers, raising families and navigating life’s challenges, netball provides much more than an opportunity to exercise. It brings women together, creates lasting friendships and builds a network of support that extends far beyond the court.
It is this sense of community and belonging that sits at the heart of our Keeping Our Sisters on the Court campaign. It is about women supporting women through all stages of life, celebrating the good times and being there for one another through the more difficult ones.
Kara is an incredibly valued member of The Downs. Through everything she is facing, she continues to give her time to others, helping to keep the next generation of girls on the court.
Kara, we think you’re amazing, and we are all right behind you!
Support the Super Scarf Mission
Find out more about this wonderful initiative and how you can support it at www.scampanddude.com/pages/superscarvesmission.
Instagram :
X:
