The tragic death from pancreatic cancer in 2019 of 30-year-old Mount Burr sportsman Bryce Pollard has prompted his former team mates into a rare fundraising gesture on Saturday.

Mount Burr footballers in all four grades will don purple socks in their home match against Kongorong as a fundraiser for the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

The socks are costing the club around $600 and the fundraising stunt has the blessing of the league officials.

Raffle tickets will also be sold at Mick and Jean Walker Oval and there will be collection tins.

Mount Burr stalwart Adam Wiese is urging all to support the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation PlayinPurple as well as honour the memory of popular past Mozzie footballer and cricketer.

Mr Wiese said the club also looked to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.

“I was a team mate of Bryce and also his coach for a while,” Mr Wiese said. “He was great fun.

“Our families are very close friends as the Pollards lived next door to my parents.

“Some of the current Mount Burr footballers like Nathan  Muhovics were his great mates.

“The Adelaide  specialist who treated Bryce said he was the youngest to have pancreatic cancer.” PlayinPurple is now in its seventh year and continues to grow across Australia, being embraced by football players from  all codes ages and geographies, all passionately playing in purple socks on one  weekend of their local season to raise critical awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Isabella Di Manno started the campaign in 2015 after the sudden death of  her fiancée’s mother to the disease and  saw it as the perfect way to raise awareness and critical funds into research,  improving diagnosis and treatment.

In 2015, 300 pairs of purple socks started what today is a national movement with grass roots football at the centre.

Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation chief executive Michelle  Stewart said she was excited to see playing fields Australia-wide turning purple  for pancreatic cancer.

“Awareness on this scale is exactly what we need to help shine light on this disease.

 “This campaign is a wonderful opportunity to increase engagement between  clubs, players and the community, all participating for a very important cause – pancreatic cancer awareness.

“The support across Australia continues to grow with high-profile sporting  organisations getting on-board and for that we are incredibly thankful.”