Vale Daniel Berry -  Hills News

July 9, 2013

The Hills community is deeply saddened by the passing of para-athletics athlete Daniel Berry, who lost his battle with cancer overnight.

The Hills community is deeply saddened by the passing of para-athletics athlete Daniel Berry, who lost his battle with cancer overnight.

The 22-year-old passed away at home in Glenhaven surrounded by his family.

Daniel, a student at Pacific Hills Christian School in Dural, had been recognised by The Hills Council’s Youth Ambassador Awards, winning numerous categories over the years, and was named the council’s Young Australian of the Year for 2010 in the 2011 Australia Day Awards.

He was also a Make A Wish Foundation Ambassador and a Red Kite Scholarship recipient.

In a statement, Jason Hellwig, chief executive of the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) said: ‘‘Daniel was a remarkable young man with an unshakeable fighting spirit and our deepest condolences and best wishes are with his family, friends and team mates.

‘‘Daniel narrowly missed selection to the Australian team for the London Paralympic Games and although disappointed, travelled to London with his family to watch the Games and support his team mates,’’ Hellwig said. 

‘‘His passion and commitment for his sport were obvious and he reminded us all of what true sportsmanship really is.’’

Daniel made his debut for Australia on the football pitch as part of the Pararoos’ campaign at the 2009 CPISRA International Football Championships, where he scored his first international goal. 

But with London 2012 on the horizon, he chose to focus on athletics and in 2011 represented Australia at the International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships in New Zealand, where he broke the Australian record in the T36 1500 metres.

Daniel’s commitment to his sport extended beyond his own athletics career, regularly attending APC Paralympic Talent Search Days where he encouraged young people with a disability to play sport.

In December 2012, he was re-diagnosed with brain cancer, after overcoming the disease five years earlier as a teenager, and over the last seven months has endured gruelling surgery and treatment to fight the illness.

‘‘Through his athletic achievements, his involvement in talent search days and his overall positive spirit as an athlete, Daniel’s contribution to paralympic sport in Australia has been significant,’’ Hellwig said. 

‘‘He will be missed terribly and he will no doubt be in the thoughts of his athletics team mates as they compete at the World Championships in France later this month as well as the entire Australian Paralympic community.’’