Founder & Director of Operations

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I'm a mother of 3 beautiful children, Hunter, Zac and Phoebe, and Wife of Dave Madden. After witnessing first hand the stress a cancer diagnosis has on a family and how little practical support is available, I decided to create the Hero Hunter Foundation. We were fortunate to have a huge support network to help out with the every day needs of our family following Hunter's diagnosis and during his treatment. I know that not all families are fortunate as we were and my hope is that the HHF will fill this service gap by offering an 'extended family' support network to all families with a childhood cancer diagnosis. HHF is a legacy for my eldest son Hunter who battled Leukaemia for 5 years before passing away in September 2021.

Director

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I'm Dr Fiona Newman MBBS Hons FRANZCR . I am a Radiologist with over 30 years of experience in paediatric radiology. My sub-specialist interests are paediatrics, women’s imaging and medico-legal. I was appointed to PMH in 1989 and was HOD at PMH from 2010 to December 2016. During this time I saw the ravages inflicted on families and children diagnosed with cancer and this was brought home to me first hand by Hunter’s disease journey.

 

I see the work of the Hero Hunter Foundation in supporting these families as a lasting legacy to provide some comfort and alleviate suffering and am proud to be a director.

Director

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I have served in the West Australian Police Force for over 29 years and I am currently the Assistant Commissioner responsible for the Perth Metropolitan area. 

 

I'm Passionate about community health, safety and resilience, I  have used my Law Enforcement experience combined with my personal journey in supporting my daughter through childhood cancer to help drive change through participation on a number of Boards. Having previously held positions on the CAHS Consumer Advisory Council and the CAHS Haematology Oncology Paediatric Patients Advisory Group, I am  a current Director on both the State and National Crime Stoppers Boards.

 

I have been married to Anthea for 28 years and together we have two adult children. In my down time I restore vintage Holdens and Triumph motorcycles.

Director

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I’m Leigh Bettenay, devoted Papa to four precious grandchildren and any other kid who needs it. I worked as a geologist and geochemist in the mineral industry until recently and still do some consulting when time allows. I have held board positions in the ASX-listed company Energia Minerals Limited, the UWA Geoscience Foundation, and the Australasian Institute of Geoscientists.

My current passions include fishing, hanging out with grandkids and (when they are not available) researching the contribution of metals to civilization

Director

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I'm Suzi Johnson, a long time friend of Hunter’s parents and we have supported one another through many of the highs and lows of life. I moved from the UK 22 years ago and has embraced the Australian lifestyle since I landed. I love the outdoor lifestyle – hiking, beach, camping, boating, scuba diving and I love living in Perth.

 

As a co-founder of the Hero Hunter Foundation I believe in our duty as a community to help support others walking down this path and assist where we can. Being able to hold up other families is part of the grieving process for so many of us and honoring the huge spirit, joy, fun and love that Hunter gave to this world in his very short life. He was always there to help a friend, give someone a cuddle and make everyone laugh and he would be truly proud to know that he is apart of this.

Director/ Treasurer

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I'm Thomas Sweeny. I'm a financial planner and love using numbers to help people achieve their dreams! When I'm not at work I'm busy cooking, going to the gym, rowing, playing footy or hanging out with my friends.

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I heard so much about Hunter during his fight and I'm super excited to work with the other members on the board to help achieve our mission!