Locals get behind cancer cause

VOLUNTEERS have been busy collecting donations for the local Pancare Foundation high tea and raffle.

The event is set for 26 November at 2pm at the RSL hall and bookings, at $35 per person, are now being taken at the Heathcote Post Office.

Rhonda Linnell, licensee at the post office and newsagency, has been fundraising for Pancare since moving to Heathcote six years ago, and she praised locals for their support.

“We are so proud to live in this amazing town. Small business owners always face significant challenges but ours never lose their sense of community or spirit,” she said.

“Fellow volunteer Ardi Davis has spent hours knocking on doors to secure lots of fabulous prizes and Lyn Furneaux has donated a huge hamper for first prize in the raffle.”

Ms Linnell began fundraising for the Pancare Foundation after her cousin Ian was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

“We were close, Ian was like a brother to me,” she said. “Sadly, he passed away three years after being diagnosed but the Pancare Foundation provided fabulous support during that time.

“I wanted to do what I could to help. They are only a small foundation but they do so much and are definitely punching above their weight.

“When the foundation was started, the survival rate for pancreatic cancer was seven per cent. It has now risen to 12 per cent.

“It is their mission to improve survival and support all Australians diagnosed with pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal cancers.

“These cancers are very hard to diagnose, and often when they are it is too late.”

Last year, a similar event was held with 85 people attending, and Ms Linnell is hoping the number increases to 100 this year.

“We would love to see more fellas come along this time,” she said.