Jake Stringer presented a $29,000 cheque to Challenge on behalf of the Essendon Football Club on Thursday at The Hangar.

The Bombers raised the funds through their annual Tackling Childhood Cancer game against North Melbourne in round 15.

Challenge is a not-for-profit organisation that provides daily support for children and families living with cancer or a life-threatening blood disorder from the time of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

Stringer, who dedicates his time to visiting Challenge House and the Challenge children in hospital, said he was touched with the support Essendon was able to provide Challenge.

“Challenge is a wonderful charity that means a lot to me. I go around the wards each week and try to put a smile on the kids’ faces,” Stringer said.

“I have two children under five, when you go in and see these little kids hooked up to machines – some of them are younger than my little one Arlo – so it is very moving and puts everything into perspective. 

“I am very proud of Essendon and its supporters, in the work they have done for Challenge and being able to raise such a large amount.

“Hopefully next year we can go bigger and better.”

Challenge CEO, David Rogers, said the funds will go towards transport for children and their families.

“We have had a great relationship with the club for a few years now. It’s a great partnership that we have been able to build and Essendon is really keen to make a difference to children and their families, living with cancer,” Rogers said.

“The money will go towards a vehicle that we will use to transport kids around. We transport a lot of families back and forth from the hospital and also to camps.”

For more information on Challenge, click here.