Philanthropist & Footy Legend Jim Stynes Loses Cancer Battle

Jim Stynes has lost his battle with cancer. Photo courtesy Reach Foundation.

The co-founder of Not for Profit youth organisation, Reach, and Melbourne Football legend, Jim Stynes has lost his 3 year battle with cancer.

Stynes passed away at his family home early today and tributes have been pouring in via Twitter and Facebook. In Melbourne, motorists have been urged to put their headlights on in honour of Stynes.

Reach Chairman, Don McLardy, placed a notice on the Reach website saying “It is with deep sadness that I announce to all members of Reach and our extended family the passing of our co-founder Jim Stynes, after his courageous battle with cancer.”

“If there is a positive to be found from the last 3 years, it is that we have already had an opportunity to tell Jim in person what an impact he has made on so many of our lives.”

“If you are reading this now it’s likely that you’ll have experienced the power of Jim Stynes first hand, through Reach. No doubt, you will have your own story about how he touched your life or the life of someone close to you, or maybe you were lucky enough to call Jim Stynes your mentor or even friend.”

“Over the next few weeks many more people will no doubt share how Jim made an impact on them and transformed their life. This is truly the mark of an extraordinary person and great man.

“Our job at Reach will be to continue the important work Jim started, to carry the values forward he believed in, and make sure we never lose sight of the Reach spirit that we all understand and believe in.

“On behalf of everyone at Reach, our deepest sympathies go to Jim’s equally courageous wife Sam, their two young children, Matisse and Tiernan, and the entire Stynes family. They will all forever be a part of the Reach family,” the statement said.

Reach is a national youth organisation providing school and community-based programs for young people and designed to promote their mental health and wellbeing. It was established in 1994 by Jim Stynes OAM (AFL Brownlow Medalist, youth motivator, and Victorian of the Year 2003) and Australian film director, Paul Currie.

Each year, Reach’s preventative programs impact over 57,000 young Australians, in over 580 metropolitan and regional schools and communities across the country. Participants are young people aged 10 – 18, in and outside of the school system.

In his Annual report last year Stynes said of his organisation, “At Reach, we believe in the brilliant ability of young people inspiring young people – this goes for the Crew who deliver the programs, as well as the kids who participate.

The NAB is now taking donations on behalf of The Reach Foundation for the Jim Styne's Future Fund, via the NAB branch network nationally, or via online banking for NAB customers at www.nab.com.au.