March raises vital funds for melanoma research

BALLINA’S Melanoma March has raised more than $12,000, with dozens turning out to walk and pay tribute to loved ones lost to the disease.

Participants completed the 4.4km return walk from Missingham Bridge to North Wall over the weekend, with donations still coming in.

The annual event is organised by Sharyn Dorey, who began running it in 2023 with support from the Melanoma Institute Australia and local organisations. Her daughter, Mikayla Green, was just 24 when she died from melanoma in 2022.

Since Mikayla’s passing, three Melanoma March events have raised more than $30,000 for research and awareness.

“On the morning of the march, I sold $1200 on the raffle alone, so everyone was really supportive,” Ms Dorey said.

“It was a great event this year, I’m happy we got as many as we did after having to postpone it.

“We had about five gazebos and filled them with chairs which brought everyone closer to the stage.

 

“That completely changed the atmosphere and helped people engage with the speakers

“It also helped the older ones stay around a bit longer by having somewhere to sit after the walk.

The Melanoma Institute Australia runs a national campaign with marches across the country.

This year, all funds raised will go towards the updating and clinical promotion of the National Melanoma Clinical Guidelines.

Cancer Council and Ballina Rotary Club were big supporters and will help run the event next year.

Donations will be accepted for the rest of the month and can be made at ballina.melanomamarch.org.au