Panthers winger Josh Mansour is delighted to have signed on as an official ambassador for Bowel Cancer Australia.
The 27-year-old has seen the impact bowel cancer can have on family, friends and loved ones and wants to use his profile to bring attention to Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.
WORDS FROM BOWEL CANCER AUSTRALIA:
Penrith Panthers winger Josh Mansour has many professional achievements he can be proud of. He’s played for Australia at the Four Nations and State of Origin for the NSW Blues, was awarded the 2016 Dally M Winger of the Year and represented the Kangaroos at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Known fondly as ‘Sauce’ by fans, the NRL player is also very proud of his wife, Daniella and their new daughter Siana, who he counts as his number one fans.
Not only is the winger famous for his skill on field, he’s also well known for THAT beard, which he started growing in 2014 following a bet with Wes Naiqama.
As a professional sportsman and family man, Josh well understands how much life can be like a rollercoaster, with lots of ups and downs.
“Whether it be injury or your confidence hitting a big low, you’re always fighting your own battle,” Josh said.
“Even when things are going wonderfully well, they can suddenly come crashing down so easily."
Josh speaks from first-hand experience, having suffered a devastating knee injury during a routine training run while in England for the Four Nations, which resulted in him missing the opening 12 rounds of the NRL Telstra Premiership in 2016.
Sauce gets Shaved
After watching his wife’s uncle and mate’s sister live through bowel cancer and work towards a life beyond the disease, Josh is looking forward to using his profile to raise greater awareness for Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.
“Helping people is an important part of being human, and I’m only too happy to put up my hand to help," he said.
Josh shaved his iconic beard to raise much needed awareness and funds during Decembeard 2017, Bowel Cancer Australia’s hair-raising annual campaign that uses the power of beards to engage Australians in a conversation about bowel cancer in men.
‘Sauce Shaves for Cause’ raised over $10,000, making Josh the highest Decembeard fundraiser for 2017.
Mansour's Decembeard Success
"At the end of the day it's a small sacrifice," he said.
"It's for a good cause. It just felt like the right thing to do. I have no regrets at all. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
"Bowel cancer is a topic that isn’t brought up too often. A lot of people don’t realise the stats around bowel cancer, and they are shocking."
Josh said he gets a lot of fulfillment when he can make a difference for others and has decided to continue helping Bowel Cancer Australia make real change happen by joining the charity as an official ambassador.
We welcome Josh’s support and thank him for joining team Bowel Cancer Australia.
