STANDING TALL: Sydney FC’s Irish captain Terry McFlynn is joining the football charity drive, Footy Rocks, to help young cancer sufferers like Hunter Jelich (left) overcome the disease.

Sydney FC’s Irish captain Terry McFlynn has given his support to a campaign to raise $250,000 for medical research at Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA).

West Tigers’ Benji Marshall is the ambassador for CCIA’s Footy Rocks, a night where athletes from each footballing code will assemble to raise funds to help young people battle cancer.

McFlynn recently met young cancer sufferer Hunter Jelich, who is keen to play sports again after ending his 12-month spell in a wheelchair.

Eight-year old Jelich was given a tour of Sydney’s home dressing rooms, a new personalised Sydney FC kit and his own private football lesson with the Sydney FC captain.

McFlynn threw his weight behind Footy Rocks.

“This is a tremendous cause and if Sydney FC can help in any little way, we will. Benji should be applauded for leading this battle and I will help him fight this fight,” said McFlynn.

Footy Rocks is a black tie evening of surprise performances, dinner and live music and dance to be held on March 4 at Sydney’s Four Seasons Hotel.

“Seeing a child ill is difficult enough, let alone losing one. Hopefully we can raise a substantial amount of money on the night and help improve the lives of as many kids as possible.

“Everyone’s welcome and we hope people will forget which code or team they support and get behind Footy Rocks,” said McFlynn.

For more information on Footy Rocks or to buy a $250 ticket contact Amy Wilkinson-Lough, CCIA Events Manager, on (02) 9385 1782.