Tommy was born into a Sydney Swans / South Melbourne family spanning four generations and, along with his twin sister Monique, his first present was a Swans guernsey for newborns.

It was these jumpers a few years later that appeared at kindergarten and primary school and became synonymous with the twins. Of course, we can’t forget the Auskick sessions which were tremendous fun for all.

Tommy loved laughing and trains and he brought happiness to all around him. It was infectious.

When Tommy was five years old, he saw the Sydney Swans win the AFL premiership, some people had waited 70 years to see this. Of course, the DVD was played many times and, as we found out, DVDs do not have a limited life span!

His favorite players (which converts to footy cards as well) were Barry Hall, Adam Goodes and Captain Kirk.

The Melbourne office of the Swans arranged for Club legend Bob Skilton to visit Tommy in hospital. However, he went home for palliative care the day before the visit (I now know what palliative care means……).

One week later Tommy went to heaven, on 22nd August 2007.

At his “celebration of life” Tommy’s grandfather wore a Sydney Swans tie and Tommy wore his Sydney Swans jumper….that was only appropriate. As he left the Church, all his school friends and family released red and white balloons.

The Sydney Swans sent us a letter which was very comforting and a jumper signed by Barry Hall and Adam Goodes with the inscription “In memory of Tommy….”. In the days that followed I got a call from Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos. What a kind and sincere person is all I can say. I must point out that we spoke in the week leading up to the finals……which for a coach is the busiest time of year.

We were helped with funeral costs by Red Kite. I was later to find out that the Sydney Swans have also been involved with this organization for many years.

Now on a final note, I urge all supporters to get involved in the Goal 4 Goal fundraising exercise which is through Swans Official Charity Partner, the Oncology Children's Foudnation.

This wonderful charity association provides funds for oncology research and to find a cure for brain tumors in children, which is what caused Tommy's illness.

For us, family life goes on as does the memory of Tommy, who will always be seven years old.