It was a heartbreaking loss, but one that’s now become a key driver for the 23-year-old to take to the stage for this year’s Stars of Wollongong Dance for Cancer fundraiser.

“I’ll be thinking of her, and all the other families that face similar heartbreak and suffering,” Mr Fahey said.  

The Helensburgh acting student is among a group of 14 professionals, which includes Illawarra Mercury sales manager Steve Sutton, who will attempt to put their best foot forward as part of the Cancer Council event.

The ‘stars’ will have 10 weeks to perfect a dance routine, before performing it on stage in front of a crowd – and judges – during a gala event at the WIN Entertainment Centre on June 2.

Mr Fahey said it was about two years from the time his mum found out she had breast cancer to the time of her passing.

He recalled her going through several rounds of chemo, being part of trials and hearing she had just a few months to live.

“I’m just doing it so, for any families going through that, it just makes it a bit easier for them,” he said, adding he was also keen to help find a cure.

“It’s been on the top of my mind that I really wanted to do something for mum and for anyone suffering.”

Another motivator for Mr Fahey to get involved in the event was his partner, dancer Catrina Ralph.

“For years I have sat in the audience and watched [Catrina] dance on stage,” he said. 

“I finally get the opportunity to be up there with her.

“It’s doubly special for me to be dancing with [Catrina] for this as she was there holding my hand as I held mum’s when she passed, so we will both be thinking of her.”

Mr Fahey admitted he was “fairly new to dancing”, but said he was in safe hands – Catrina’s been dancing since she was four.

“I’m hoping she can give me a few moves,” he said. “If I don’t do too well I’ll end up hearing about it from her.”

The event, now in its fourth year, has raised more than $270,000. 

The money has helped services such as the Wollongong Hospital cancer information centre, free transport to treatment, as well as prevention programs and research projects.

Cancer Council volunteers travelled more than 13,000km taking Illawarra patients and carers to treatment and specialist appointments last financial year.

The 2018 Stars of Wollongong Dance for Cancer gala event is on June 2 at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Tickets are $150 each and available via Ticketmaster.

Event details: everydayhero.com.au/event/starsofwollongong2018