From the Herald Sun:Jim Stynes is facing one of his biggest challenges in the two years since he was diagnosed with cancer, with more risky surgery scheduled for next week.
But the main thing on his mind was the chance to share the stage tomorrow night with singer Olivia Newton-John before the Demons-Carlton match to help raise money for her Cancer and Wellness Centre.
Stynes says he fell in love with Newton-John as a 13-year-old watching Grease with his little brother.
Yesterday she visited him at The Alfred hospital as he recovered from his latest bout of surgery to remove persistent tumours.
They had a laugh and did an impromptu rehearsal of Grease hit You’re The One That I Want.
She said Stynes was an example of why Melbourne needed the new centre, which would help patients’ “body, mind and soul”.
The centre, due to open next year, still needs $10 million in public donations.
“This is an exciting chance for the club to support a worthwhile cause. I should be right to be there,” he said.
Stynes brushed off suggestions he’d sing with Newton-John, but Sam said he had had been practising You’re The One That I Want in the shower every morning.
Stynes’ former teammate, Russell Robertson, who sings with his own band, is expected to vie on stage with Stynes for Newton-John’s affections.
“Russell might win in the singing side of things, but Jim’s certainly going to get more sympathy points from Olivia,” Sam said.
To donate to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre visit www.oliviaappeal.com
