Connor Clarke is not only one of the standout talents among Victoria’s young harness racing drivers - he’s also a remarkable success story off the track.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal holds deep personal significance for the 21-year-old reinsman. Several years ago, Clarke faced a life-threatening diagnosis: Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. His journey to recovery began at The Royal Children’s Hospital, where he received world-class care from a dedicated team of doctors and nurses.
“I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and taken straight to The Royal Children’s Hospital,” Clarke recalls.
With the cancer having spread throughout his body, Clarke spent the next six months in hospital, enduring intensive treatment.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but the doctors weren’t confident I’d survive - Stage 4 is pretty serious, and it was everywhere,” he said.
“Apparently they gave me a 30 per cent chance of making it, but they weren’t about to tell that to a 14-year-old kid.”
Defying the odds, Clarke eventually received the news he was in remission. His determination to return to normal life was evident - and it wasn’t long before he was back in the sulky. Since then, he has driven 206 winners, with a highlight being his appearance in the prestigious Young Guns series on New Year’s Eve.
In honour of stories like Connor’s, Harness Racing Victoria has donated $10,000 to the Good Friday Appeal, which helps ensure The Royal Children’s Hospital continues to deliver world-class care to children across Victoria and beyond.
You can help make a difference too. Support the Good Friday Appeal by donating to the fundraising page here.
Photo (from left to right): Shaniya Darmanin, Darcie Fisher, Connor Clarke, Madeline Welch, Addison Duryea.