Connor’s Story: Racing for Hope at the V8 SuperUtes Repco Bathurst 1000
We’re thrilled to share that our amazing ambassador, Jimmy Vernon, will be racing in the V8 SuperUtes Repco Bathurst 1000 from October 10-13! This year, Jimmy will proudly sport a picture of a brave young boy named Connor on his helmet, who will be cheering him on from the sidelines with his family.
This is Connor’s story as told by his mum Rebecca:
For a few months, Connor had had sickness after sickness, colds and flus, skin infections, bowel issues, tummy pains, sore legs and eventually lots of bruising. However, we had an answer for all of these, school germs, not eating enough dinner, not eating enough vegetables. The bruising, well it’s normal for a 7yr old boy to have bruises on his legs. I had queried things with the GP a few times, but again, antibiotics fixed infections and things would calm down again. In August 2023, one night we presented to the ED with Connor having severe stomach pain. We were discharged and asked to do some blood tests the following morning. That night he was rushed to Westmead Hospital for more testing and we were given the devastating news that he had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Connor was admitted to hospital and started his treatment straight away. He endured seven months of Intense Chemotherapy treatment which brought on many side effects and challenges. Many nights spent in isolation wards, infections in his central line, other infections due to being immunocompromised, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and more. Connor lost his ability to walk twice during this time and required physio to rebuild muscle and strength. Connor moved into remission and then finished his phase of intense treatment in March this year. He now remains on oral chemotherapy until August 2025 which will mark two years since diagnosis.
He has returned to school and is playing sport again, he is outside jumping on trampolines and riding bikes and being a typical 7 year old boy.
Kids Cancer Foundation has been an amazing support for our family. They have helped us pay some large outstanding bills, provided us with tickets to various events and when in the oncology clinic for appointments and hospital stays, Connor has been the recipient of many care packages to cheer him up and fill his day. This is such a wonderful foundation and we are so grateful for their care and support provided to us.
As Jimmy Vernon races at Bathurst, he carries not only Connor’s image but also the collective hopes of families like theirs. It’s a reminder of the strength found in community and the importance of support during the toughest times.
Join us in cheering for Jimmy and Connor this October! Together, we can raise awareness for childhood cancer and honor the incredible journeys of brave kids like Connor. Let’s make this race one to remember, not just for the thrill of motorsport, but for the hope it represents.
