A father himself, Chris Judd knows just how vital the work of the Royal Women’s Hospital is, particularly the hospital’s Newborn Intensive and Special Care Unit. 

Judd has thrown his support behind the NISC by posing for a portrait, which will be auctioned off at the Virtually Forgotten Legends (VFL) Grand Final Eve lunch next month. 

The money raised will go to a fund in memory of Sam Carmichael, who was born 14 weeks early weighing just 440 grams. Sam spent his three short weeks of life in the Women’s NISC in 2008. His mother Kylie is the daughter of former Carlton player Greg Wells. 

Kylie, her husband Tim and father Greg have together raised in excess of $160,000 for the Women’s NISC. 

Upon hearing their story, self-taught artist J Michael Allery volunteered to paint a portrait of a sporting personality to donate for auction. His portrait of Chris Judd took about 100 hours to create.

Everyone involved in the project has donated their time to raise money for the Women’s NISC in memory of baby Sam. 

The auction for the portrait of Judd will be held at the VFL’s Grand Final Eve function at Docklands on September 26. Anyone who can’t attend the luncheon but would like to make a bid should contact Foundation@thewomens.org.au .Bids to this email address will close on Wednesday 24 September at 5pm.

For more details visit www.thewomens.org.au