Liza Dyball

STAR - LIZA DYBALL
PARTNER – CRAIG SCHOFIELD

I was born in Cooma, the youngest of four daughters to the most amazing parents.  For the first four years of my life we lived in Adaminaby before moving to the 'big smoke' of Cooma.   I work at Birdsnest and also as a retained NSW firefighter.  As you would imagine both jobs require a high level of energy.  The satisfaction I get through helping people in these roles makes me love what I do.

I’ve been very lucky; I have a great life.  Sport has always been a huge part of it, especially as a young person.  More recently it’s been all about my family: my husband Paul and my children James (8) and India (6).  We do a lot together, and with friends.  Camping is a favourite pastime and in fact our best holiday is just around the corner as we head around Australia in our van after Dancing with the Cooma Stars.

Why did I accept the invitation to dance?  It was easy.  Ironically, I sat in the crowd two years ago at the first event, in awe of what MCCR and all these women have achieved for our community, supporting cancer sufferers and their families.  Little did I know that 12 months later I would be diagnosed with cancer myself.  I would find myself experiencing the extraordinary benefits of having treatment in Cooma at the Oncology Unit MCCR had pushed so hard to make a reality.  Rather than driving all the way to Canberra, feeling sick and tired, I could do it all in Cooma, and be loved and looked after by my fantastic family.

I also wanted to send a message to other younger women who may be facing cancer.  It doesn’t have to define you; it’s all in the way you deal with it.  There’s life, lots of it, after cancer.

My biggest challenge will be learning how to dance, as I have NO experience apart from the odd wild night out at the Cooma Hotel....I was the little girl who loved guns and my holster set, after all...

CRAIG SCHOFIELD – DANCER PROFILE

My biggest motivation in fundraising for MCCR is the fact that I lost my mother to cancer when she was only 50.  I am now 51.  Also, my wife Sandy is one of the organisers, and she was desperate for me to participate, as there was a shortage of male dancers.  I suppose I was not in a position to say no because I have to live with her.  So here I am.

I’m from Cooma and Sandy and I have two boys who we try and keep track of: they are 18 and 21.

My work at Boller & Co Real Estate keeps me busy. Finding the right home for people is satisfying and I love to make both buyer and vendor happy. It’s great to see young ones get their first home.

I am currently president of the Stallions Rugby League Football Club and I would say getting a footy team on the paddock every week in the winter is my passion. I try to stay fit but also enjoy a couple of beers at the pub.

Our best holiday places are either Bali or Mooloolaba.  I have also travelled to Europe and love Italy

My biggest challenge in doing this event will be to learn to dance and try and look as if I am the expert.  I will learn heaps from this but will also enjoy the challenge. I did learn last time just how incredibly generous the community are and that does blow you away.