He's the Mittagong Lions Senior president with a big heart and now Matt Aiken will take to the stage for Stars of the Highlands: Dance for Cancer.
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Matt knows all to the well the heartache of a terminal cancer diagnosis, with both his wife and his mum losing their respective battles with cancer. He's motivated more than ever to raise much-needed funds for the cancer council.
"I don't have to look far for motivation, in 2016 I lost my wife Karen to cancer after an eight-year battle," he said.
"At the time of my wife's diagnosis we had four children, my youngest Khye was just two years old.
"In 2014 I lost my mother to this insidious disease. Both Karen and my Mum had terminal cancer at the same time.
"Along the way I've met some beautiful souls including doctors, nurses, hospital staff, palliative care nurses, patients fighting cancer; prepared to knock it back, go another round of chemo and radiation and fight to see another day.
"I've seen the look of despair on people's faces in waiting rooms, families crippled by sadness, finding myself having to explain the unknown to my children.
Matt said that while he would "probably embarrass" himself, it didn't matter.
"It's all about raising money and awareness. I can't wait," he said.
He also credits the Southern Highlands for being an "incredible and caring community."
"We're blessed that our health care system is second to none, the Southern Highlands Cancer Centre is testament to this, along with Campbelltown and Liverpool hospitals," he said.
"On top of that our palliative care nurses here make a real difference in the lives of their patients. They respond kindly with empathy and understanding.
"I'm deeply indebted to everyone we crossed paths with from health professionals to the tea ladies at the private hospital.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
As for his biggest inspiration, Matt highlights his children, granddaughter Billie and anyone who has a connection to cancer.
"Whether it is someone receiving treatment, people waiting on results, carers, doctors, nurses," he said.
"There are too many people to name, but I am thinking of them."
While you will have to wait until May 14 to see Matt dance, he did give the Southern Highland News a small hint about what to expect.
"Spare a thought for my dance partner Emily Turland who has her work cut out," he said.
"I seriously can't dance. It's early days, more laughter than dancing going on at the moment as we find our feet but I'd say a jazz/hip-hop style.
"I would like to send a big shout to all the dancers who have given up their time to teach us guys our routines. The cancer council and everyone involved appreciates you all.
"Please everybody jump online and support the STARS with a donation for such a great cause."
You can donate to Matt Aiken here.
Stars of the Highlands: Dance for Cancer will be held on May 14 2021 at Mittagong RSL.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
