Australian football photographer, Rachel Bach, has followed Rebekah Stott’s extraordinary journey from close quarters. To mark her return to New Zealand’s Football Ferns, Bach – @bythewhiteline – shares another perspective on one of the year’s most inspirational stories, told through her photographs.
For much of last year, football was the last thing on Rebekah Stott’s mind.
She was focused on a different challenge – beating cancer.
There were times when Stotty questioned if she’d ever be back on the pitch.
I watched as she went through treatment, amazed by her positive attitude.
She knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but she pushed herself – both physically and mentally – to be ready for round one of the Liberty A-League.
That first week, she managed just over a half of football.
Four weeks later, she played 90 minutes.
Now, she’s been selected for her national team.
It has only been one year since her diagnosis, and seven months since she found out she was in remission.
I knew that it wasn’t a matter of if, but when she would return to football.
Stotty is as strong as they come.
