The Diakos family at 'Laps for Lila', a community fundraiser held for their daughter at Bangor. Picture supplied

Colour washed over Billa Road Oval as more than 250 participants gathered for 'Laps for Lila', a community fundraising event that has raised more than $8000 for Bear Cottage, NSW's only dedicated children's hospice.

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Hosted by the Bangor Football Club on June 13, the event celebrated the life of three-year-old Lila Diakos, who died in December 2025 following a battle with a rare cancer. The Diakos family have been active members of the football community for more than seven years.

Attendees of all ages completed laps of the oval while being showered in colourful powder. The event raised more than $5000 for Bear Cottage, with an additional $2850 donated directly to the family's online fundraising page. As part of the Sydney Children's Hospital Network, the hospice relies heavily on community support to function.

Lila's mother, Chloe Diakos, spoke of the profound impact the facility had on their lives during their most difficult moments. "When we learned that Lila was entering end-of-life care, Bear Cottage welcomed us with open arms," she said. "They provided not only exceptional care for Lila, but also something priceless for our family. They allowed us to stop being carers and advocates and simply be Mum, Dad and big sisters. Bear Cottage gave us the space to focus on loving our Lila and making the most of every precious moment we had left together.

A community fundraiser became a powerful tribute. Picture supplied

"To see so many people from our wonderful community turn up for Lila and support Bear Cottage meant more to our family than words can express. Knowing that Lila continues to bring people together while helping other families who walk a similar path is incredibly special to us."

Mrs Diakos said it costs $4 million each year to keep the doors of Bear Cottage open. "They rely on people like us to ensure families continue to receive the dignity and care they deserve when they need it most," she said.

Lila's nine-year-old sister, Evie Diakos bravely shared her experiences with the crowd. "The people who work [at Bear Cottage] are so wonderful and so supportive to me and my family," Evie said. "There have been some sad times there, but they take away all of that sadness and bring happiness to the room."

Lila's sister Evie Diakos shared some words about the support a Sydney hospice provided for her family. Picture supplied

Bangor Football Club president Shane Hockings said organisers were blown away by the level of support. Club vice president Katherine Cox praised the strong turnout. "We pride ourselves on being a community club and are proud of the culture we're building here at Bangor FC."

"We may not be the biggest club, but we absolutely have the biggest heart," club registrar Michelle Clarke said.

Bangor Football Club will continue its fundraising initiatives with a trivia night later this month, with all proceeds also being donated to Bear Cottage.