Scoring runs and taking wickets took on almost no significance as he focused on providing support for her after a bout of Hodgkin's lymphoma.

With his mother on the mend after her first diagnosis two years ago, Kentwell is an avid supporter of Pink Stumps Day, which will be held at every ground in the men's and women's Canberra first-grade competition this weekend to raise awareness for breast cancer.

He had moles removed from his back last year as a precaution, having seen first-hand the horrible effect the disease can have on a person's life.

''She rang me when I was at work and I knew straight away something wasn't right,'' he said.

''When she told me I went weak at the knees and fell to the floor.

''At the start you think it's the worst-case scenario, and it wasn't until we found out exactly what it was that things started to look up.''

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that begins in the lymph tissue and prevents the immune system from being able to fight infection.

High readings in a blood test from a regular check-up raised alarm bells with Lyn's doctor.

Then began the long process of recovery.

''There was three months of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, I was beside her for every one of those,'' Kentwell said.

''It's a long and horrible thing to witness and can be anywhere from two to six hours.

''It's definitely hit home with me and made me a lot more conscious of being in the sun, not just when I'm playing sport.''

Kentwell took no chances when his partner discovered a couple of moles on his back.

''She said with the history in the family of cancer you should get them checked out to be on the safe side,'' he said. ''Everyone takes their health for granted, but if you don't have it everyone else falls to the wayside.''

All funds raised from Pink Stumps Day go to the McGrath Foundation, and Kentwell will take part in the 24-hour Relay for Life in support of the Cancer Council at the AIS Athletics Track on March 29.

Meanwhile, ANU and North Canberra Gungahlin are battling for the last spot in the Douglas Cup semi-finals heading into the first day of the penultimate round of the competition.

Both sides are locked on 16 points, with ANU taking on ladder-leader Queanbeyan at Freebody Oval and Norths facing second-placed Wests/UC at Jamison.

In other games, Eastlake hosts Weston Creek Molonglo at Kingston Oval and Tuggeranong entertains Ginninderra at Chisholm.

All games start at 11am.