Bombers skipper Zach Merrett reveals his mother is battling an incurable disease – as she explains why she was relieved when doctors told her the news
- Cathy Merrett was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 23
- Zach Merrett explained how inspiring his mother was despite her adversity
- The Essendon gun aims to raise $150,000 for charity this month
Essendon skipper Zach Merrett has expressed his admiration for his mother, who is bravely battling an incurable disease.
Cathy Merrett was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 23, but has vowed to ‘move on’ with her life.
A disease that targets the brain and central nervous system, multiple sclerosis is manifested by a number of symptoms including chronic fatigue, coordination problems and physical pain.
Merrett’s mother, however, showed courage despite her condition.
“I was actually relieved, which is strange to say,” she said. Seven news of his diagnosis.
Bombers skipper Zach Merrett (left) has revealed his mother Cathy (right) was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was just 23
The Essendon star is taking part in the May 50k challenge to raise money for research and the prevention of multiple sclerosis
“I sat up in bed and said, ‘Well, you don’t die from this and I’m going to carry on. “
And the Bombers captain is full of praise for his mother’s approach to adversity.
“She always smiles no matter how she feels,” he said.
“There is no doubt that seeing mum walking with her crutch or her aid gives me a lot of perspective very quickly.
“She always gives me advice on how to play football.”
Talk to age in 2017, Cathy revealed her relief at the diagnosis came as doctors feared she had motor neuron disease or a brain tumour, while multiple sclerosis was never mentioned.
When told by the doctor that she would probably spend most of her life in a wheelchair, Cathy refused that her plans were hampered by illness.
“I just thought then ‘stuff that,'” she said.
Merrett is three-time Essendon Best and Fairest and was named captain this year
“I decided on the spot to continue.
“This disease wasn’t going to kill me and it wasn’t going to stop us from doing what we wanted to do.”
Despite being advised against having children, Cathy and her husband Herbie got married and raised two children – Zach and his brother Jackson.
The Merrett brothers both played for Essendon for two years and while Jackson left the AFL after six seasons in 2018, Zach is the club’s best and fairest on three occasions and was named Essendon captain this year .
Merrett and his older brother Jackson (right) played together for Essendon for two seasons
And the Bombers star is using his profile to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.
Merrett is an ambassador for Multiple Sclerosis Australia and revealed on social media earlier this month that he will be taking part in the 50 kilometer fitness challenge in May.
Participants are invited to walk or run 50, 100 or 150 kilometers throughout the month to raise funds for research, prevention and treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Merrett aims to raise $150,000 by the end of the month.
