The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are recognising the invaluable contribution of emergency services personnel and volunteers at Saturday's Cowboys v Bulldogs home game – we're proud to profile some of these dedicated individuals on cowboys.com.au.
As the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys prepare to lace up their boots for Saturday’s match – dedicated to recognising the unsung emergency heroes of the North – Queensland Police Senior Constable Alex Fisher is also harnessing the power of rugby league in support of a local cause.
The Townsville Tactical Crime Squad officer (pictured top right) has been leading the QPS Northern Stinger team in an annual charity rugby league match since 2015, raising money for Townsville toddler Islah Hill who suffers from the extremely rare Tay-Sachs disease.
Islah’s Sparkle Shield is a fundraiser competition between the QPS and the 3rd Brigade, raising over $27,000 from three matches, with a fourth game planned for later in 2018.
Alex learned about Islah while working night shift, and says he knew he just had to help.
“I was working a night shift and a colleague had left a box of fundraising chocolates on the counter at the station ... fancying an early morning sugar fix, I bought a chocolate, and saw a flyer attached to the box with a picture of Islah,” Senior Constable Alex said.
“I went online and had a look at Islah's page, and once I read her story and her diagnosis with Tay-Sachs disease I wanted to help out in some way.”
For the police officer of seven years, helping Islah’s family has become another rewarding part of his career.
The most rewarding part of being a police officer is being able to make a difference in the community, whether through a charity rugby league match or through responding to calls for service on a daily basis.
“It has been great to have been able to bring the QPS and Army together to raise some much-needed funds through rugby league and to help out in our local community.”
Details for the 2018 Islah's Sparkle Shield will be available soon.
