Lisa-Marie gets behind Biggest Morning Tea

The loss of a cherished family friend to breast cancer was all the inspiration Lisa-Marie Hooper needed to start raising money for Cancer Council Victoria.

Lisa-Marie, who runs personal training business Train Fitness Professionals, is in her fifth year of hosting an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event with her family, friends and clients.

“Obviously when you are touched by something like cancer you want to try to do something,” the Mount Duneed businesswoman said.

“The first year we started was in Annette’s memory and all the others have been as well.”

Lisa-Marie’s father, Glen, who lives in New Zealand, was diagnosed with prostate cancer about three years ago but thankfully beat the disease after six months of intense treatment.

“I’m really close with my parents and that was quite a stressful time,” she recalls.

“He ended up having to have radiotherapy Monday to Friday for more than six months.

“I think we were very lucky to be honest and he now goes and gets tested every year.

“Cancer is one of those things, it touches everyone, but it wasn’t until I was in my late 30s that it really hit home for me.”

Every year an average of 195 people in the Surf Coast Shire are diagnosed with cancer, while 36,000 people are diagnosed across Victoria.

In 2021 the official day to host a morning tea is today (May 27) however participants can register to host at any time throughout May or June.

Money raised goes toward life-saving cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support programs for those affected by cancer.

In 2019 there were 7032 registered morning teas across Victoria, with 29 in Surf Coast Shire.

Due to the pandemic, last year there were only 2759 registrations in Victoria and 11 in the Surf Coast Shire.

Cancer Council Victoria head of fundraising Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said national fundraising income for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea had dropped by more than $9.6 million in 2020.

“This will have a direct impact on the funding available for our vital cancer research, prevention programs and support services, such as the 13 11 20 Information and Support Line, wig service and peer support programs,” she said.

“We know that many people within our community are feeling isolated and alone at this time, especially after a challenging year.

“Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea provides an opportunity to connect with loved ones in a safe way while raising funds for a good cause.”

Lisa-Marie said hosting a Biggest Morning Tea was straightforward and the Cancer Council had plenty of online resources to help.

She has raised between $300 and $500 each year of taking part and encouraged anyone in a position to host a morning tea to do so as every dollar counts.

“It is really just an opportunity to raise some funds for the Cancer Council and maybe share stories about people who have been affected by cancer and remind ourselves to be in good company with our friends,” Lisa-Marie said.

“It’s a chance to get together in good conscience and raise money for something that is really important.”

For more information or to register, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to receive a free morning tea host kit.