Daddy’s brave little girl wins hearts of footy mates: Prince Alfred Old Collegians rally around full-forward’s daughter

THIS is the adorable face of little Eddie Thomas — the brave toddler who has won the hearts of her dad’s football team as she battles a rare cancer. Her footy family is now rallying to do what they can to help.

EDDIE Thomas is just two years old but she is already part of the Prince Alfred Old Collegians Football Club family.

“She’s kind of like the mascot,” her father, Reds full-forward James “JR” Thomas, says.

“She’s got her own little jumper, got her own spot in the changerooms, drinks the water bottles.”

Princes are rallying around Eddie as she battles neuroblastoma, an extremely rare form of cancer.

They are not only raising money for the family to help with medical costs but getting a group of players or officials to shave their locks each time the club reaches a fundraising milestone.

The idea emerged when Thomas, an old scholar and former Reds captain, chose to shave his head so Eddie did not feel alone in losing her hair.

By Saturday, which was Princes’ ladies day, the club had raised more than $50,000 and about 40 Reds were closely cropped.

Teammates Justin Graetz, James Dalwood, James Thomas and Tom Brinsley ... shave their heads to raise money for little Eddie. Picture: Matt Loxton

“It was devastating to hear that news about Eddie,” club president Michael Siciliano says.

“I’ve got an 11-month-old and it hits home so when something like that comes up, you want to do anything you can to help the family.

“JR has been around the place for a very long time and is one of those characters that makes it a better place to be at. It’s a one in, all in type thing.”

Thomas, 31, says Eddie’s diagnosis has been a shock but the family, which also includes four-month-old son Harry, is remaining positive.

Eddie has become attached to a toy first aid kit and is “thinking she’s her own doctor”.

“She’s just rolling with the punches,” Thomas says.

“We’re going well but we’re also in the initial stages and know it’s going to get worse.”

Thomas says the community assistance is amazing. He also says taking to the field each week has been an outlet.

“The support is something you never expect but are eternally grateful for.

“Clubs are so important when times are down and we’re so lucky to be involved in a club like we are and have the people we have around.

“They’ve been phenomenal.”

To donate, go to paocfc.com.au/the-great-shave