Dig Deep for Schrodes

Co-organized

Luke Roberts and Stuart Garfitt are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Heidi Schroder.

Donation protected

DIG DEEP FOR SCHRODES

Anthony Schroder, almost universally known to his mates as Schrodes but also to those nearer to him as Ant and simply, dad. Schrodes is a life partner, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a colleague and a team mate. Many things to different people in his life.

I met Schrodes playing cricket in the lower grades of the Mercantile competition on beautiful parklands across inner Melbourne. Schrodes was a fiercely optimistic and competitive opponent playing for Gunbower when we first crossed paths. He’d scored a century in a grand final and Gunners won the flag. My team Sacred Heart, the Hearters, could barely win a game.

A couple of seasons later Schrodes had crossed Fawkner Park and joined up with the Hearters. I’m not exactly sure what prompted the switch but it meant as the years unfolded we played a lot of cricket together - long afternoons in parks and often longer evenings back at the rooms discussing the day’s play and inevitably, life in general.

I enjoy Schrodes’ company not only because he is an instinctive competitor with bat, ball or in the field but also a thoughtful and fun friend to hang out with. Sure we talk cricket but can also just as easily banter just about the footy, travel, philosophy, mindfulness, food, politics, yoga, plastering, home renovations, family, his boys, our place in the world - life in general. He moves easily amongst both his club mates and opposition teams.

A couple of seasons back I showed up to a game huffing about some dramas in my world. Schrodes calmed me down then confided with me he’d been diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer of the pancreas. Knock me over with a feather.

Since then Schrodes has attacked his disease with the same spirit I’d seen on the field. Stoic, determined, optimistic, with guts and personal pride. Matched by a philosophical laugh. In between cancer treatment he has slowly renovated his house in Crib Point (it’s been a long haul but it’s a really unique property), remained an engaged and caring parent and family man, whilst continuing to play cricket every week in summer. Cricket is a key component in his life.

On Saturday 26 January Sacred Heart Cricket Club will host a family day fundraiser for Schrodes and his family, partner Heidi and sons Teake and Cassius, at the Northern Rooms in Fawkner Park, South Yarra. Expect a BBQ and bar, the wheel, park cricket and a special appearance by Rodney Hogg one of the true characters and greats of Australian Test Cricket in 70s & 80s.

Everyone is welcome to attend a day of fun and levity. Enjoy each other’s company, hear some classic stories and share a few laughs.

Of course not everyone will be able to attend so we’ve set up this gofundme page to accept donations. Please feel free to share this amongst your friends, families social circles, cricket clubs etc.

The Schroeder’s would like it made clear there has been some earlier fundraising in Heidi’s yoga circles so there is no expectation for repeated donations.

Hoping to celebrate Schrodes’ true love of cricket and in the process raise funds to assist his family in this difficult time.