17-07-2025
Rugby teams lace up in yellow for child cancer campaign in Lachie's memory
The yellow laces will be worn to remember Lachie Sutherland who died in 2020 after a battle with neuroblastoma. Photo: Supplied
Schoolboy rugby teams around the country will sport bright yellow shoelaces this weekend to remember a Christchurch kid who died from cancer five years ago.
Lachie Sutherland. Photo: Supplied
Kelly Sharpe started Lachie's Laces in 2020 as a way to remember her son Lachie Sutherland, who had neuroblastoma and died earlier that year at just 12 after an eight-year battle with the disease.
The laces are in the colour of the Child Cancer Foundation and cost $5 a set, with proceeds going to the foundation.
Lachie loved sport and played both rugby and football.
Sharpe said the idea to have every team wearing the laces started with Lachie's cousin, now in the Christchurch Boys' High first XV, and one of his best friends, who is at Nelson College.
With this year being five years since his death, it would be a special way to remember him.
'I wondered if we could maybe have those teams wear the laces, as something really personal to these two boys who had a close relationship with Lachie,' Sharpe said.
That idea extended to an attempt to get all 10 teams in the competition on board, a movement which has been more than successful.
Every team in the Miles Toyota Premiership will wear the laces, alongside some schools outside the competition.
'We had Napier Boys' College come on board, we had Wellington College,' Sharpe said.
'Spreading into those North Island teams, which we couldn't have hoped for, is just absolutely amazing.'
Photo: Thomas Bird
West Melton have also been supplied with more than 100 pairs of laces, which will be worn by their division 1 side, their under 18s and under 16s.
For Sharpe, seeing the laces around is always a special reminder of Lachie.
'A conversation I had with Lachie, towards the end when he knew he was going to die, was that he didn't want to be forgotten,' she said.
'That was kind of a promise and a commitment that we made with him, and this is part of ensuring that legacy continues.
'I love it when people post the laces and they'll tag Lachie's Laces so it comes up on my feed, it's a wonderful feeling.'
• To support Lachie's Laces or buy a pair, visit
