The local netball community will come out in force this weekend in support of a popular, long-time player and mother of two who’s going through the battle of her life.
Nicole Noal has been an integral part of the Cambridge Park Netball Club for 27 years, joining at the tender age of six.
Over the years, she has exemplified the values of teamwork, resilience and community spirit.
Beyond netball, Noal has dedicated 13 years to the NSW Police Force, serving both regional and metropolitan communities with distinction.
She’s also a devoted wife to a fellow officer and the loving mother of two daughters, eight-year-old Scarlett and five-year-old Zara.
A few years ago, Noal was given a bowel cancer diagnoses. However, thanks to the courage and support of her family and friends, she successfully underwent treatment and surgery.
However, in November last year, Noal’s world came crashing down when she received the devastating news that her cancer had returned and was now deemed inoperable.
With specialists giving her an estimated 12 months to live, Noal’s determined to use the time she has left to create lasting memories with her family.
In light of this, the Cambridge Park Netball Club will host a 24-hour netball marathon this weekend to raise funds to assist Noal and her family with the financial burden of medical treatments and other expenses.
‘Netball for Nicole’ will take place this Saturday and Sunday at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre in Cambridge Park.
More than 100 players, volunteers and supporters from across the Penrith district and beyond are expected to get involved.
Speaking with the Weekender, event co-ordinator and Noal’s long-time friend, Rachael Coombe, said it’s going to be a very special weekend for a very special person.
“I’ve known Nicole for a long time. She’s been part of the Cambridge Park Netball family since she was six years of age. We played together for many years,” Coombe said.
“Right now, Nicole’s feeling the love from her community as well as from her teammates and friends. She’s in pretty good spirits but understandably goes through waves of emotion. She’s focused on making some amazing memories with her girls and her husband.”
People young and old are invited to head along to the Netball for Nicole event this weekend, which will see “one giant game” of netball played non-stop for 24 hours.
“It will be a normal game of netball with scoring and umpires controlling the game expect there won’t be any quarters or breaks – we just keep going with rolling subs, we power through,” Coombe explained.
“It’s open to everybody – even if you haven’t played netball before. We have someone as young as six and someone in their late 60s registered to play. We’ll have some junior timeslots and transition into senior timeslots. We will be playing right through the midnight hours, but I don’t know how many goals will be scored then.”
Netball for Nicole will begin at 9.10am this Saturday, April 12 at Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. To register either as a player, volunteer or umpire, visit https://shorturl.at/09UNj. It costs $24 to be involved.
“We’re something comfortable and that’s easy to run and play in. Registrations are still open, and we encourage everyone to come down – the more the merrier,” Coombe said.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.