For more than three decades, Cath Lyon has devoted her working life to treating sick children.
Lyon has worked as a paediatric nurse for 34 years and is currently at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in the intensive care unit.
The past two and a half years, however, have been incredibly tough for Lyon.
Like lots of other frontline workers, she has dealt with many challenges and made plenty of sacrifices, all while maintaining a high level of care to patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lyon, who is also an avid Crows fan, is one of many essential public sector workers who the Club will pay tribute to at this weekend’s home game against GWS.
To recognise their ongoing dedication in the face of the pandemic, Adelaide is offering public sector nurses, doctors, paramedics, police officers, human services frontline workers and teachers the chance to access a complimentary ticket to the Round Seven match at Adelaide Oval.
Speaking to AFC Media on Wednesday, Lyon said helping sick children and their families and then seeing them get better made her job worthwhile.
She also said having the football Club she’s barracked for her whole life give her some support in return was “really special”.
“The past few years have certainly been challenging,” Lyon said.
“It’s been really tough on all different levels.
“We’ve had to be innovative and creative about what we do and how we approach the care that we deliver.
“I’ve found the support overwhelming and I think all of us would say that it’s been really positive, especially things like this, it’s really special that the Crows can give us tickets.”
Lyon said she has followed Adelaide since the Club entered the AFL in 1991 and attended all three Grand Finals the Crows appeared in (1997, 1998, 2017).
She says supporting the Crows gives her a sense of belonging and also helps when things get stressful at work.
“I used to go with my Dad but he hasn’t been able to go for a couple of years because he’s a bit older and is worried about Covid,” Lyon said.
“But we really enjoyed that as family time and I also go with some friends as well.
“It’s great and we always have so much fun.
“Shouting and cheering and supporting gives us an opportunity to offload a bit of stress as well.
“It’s really special that the Club has thought about the workers and it’s a really great concept, we really appreciate it.”
Public sector workers will also have the opportunity to purchase two more tickets at half price, while having the option of attending a second home game later in the season.
Frontline workers should have received an email with details on how they can register their interest in the initiative, which is being supported by the South Australian Government.
Adelaide plays GWS at Adelaide Oval on Saturday at 1.40pm.
