Today is the biggest day of the year for our best known local charity, the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur.
More than 1500 locals had registered to spend 24 hours in the athletics track of Campbelltown Stadium for the 20th anniversary – the biggest fundraising event for the charity.
But with the NSW health minister Ryan Park seated among the VIPs at this morning’s traditional ceremony it was obvious the 2024 event was going to be bigger than Ben Hur.
The excitement in the air fuelled by the 20th anniversary celebrations multiplied by a factor of five, at least, when Mr Park announced that the State Government was giving the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur 2024 effort $50,000.
“My colleagues here in Macarthur, they’re all here,’’ he said, pointing to local Labor MPs Greg Warren, Nathan Hagarty, Sally Quinnell and Anoulack Chanthivong.
“And whenever I come to this area, they always remind me not to come empty handed, to bring the cheque book,’’ Mr Park said, before announcing the $50,000 donation.
“I congratulate 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur chairperson Warren Morrison, his hard-working committee and dedicated volunteers on the charity’s milestone 20th anniversary.
“From the first event established by the late Fred Borg, the annual cancer relay event has flourished with increasing community support every year.
“The community support this year is incredible. I thank everyone for participating in this wonderful event which raises funds to support patients with cancer and their families in the region.
“I wish the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur every success this year and in the years to come.’’
The annual cancer relay was established by the late Fred Borg in 2005 to raise funds for cancer care in the growing Macarthur region.
Since 2005, the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur has raised more than $5 million, providing services and equipment to assist in the treatment, care and comfort of both adults and children with cancer.
The registered charity has supported Campbelltown Hospital’s Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Oncology ward and Paediatric Ambulatory Care and Camden Hospital’s palliative care unit and associated services.
The Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren, also thanked 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur for “its amazing support of our cancer services for the past two decades’’.
“Patients and their families and carers have benefitted greatly with new equipment and services purchased with the funds raised through the charity,’’ he said.
“I know the efforts of this dedicated organisation are much appreciated by our local staff, patients and community.’’
This year’s participants will once again include the Dawn Breakers, who walk 22km from Camden to Campbelltown selling raffle tickets along the journey to raise funds.
Items purchased through funds raised by the 24 hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur include:
- A patient transport vehicle
- Overnight recliner chairs for relatives supporting patients receiving treatment
- Mattresses, chairs and cushions for patient loan
- Fall prevention alarm/sensors for patient loan to minimise the risk of cancer patients sustaining injuries at home
- Paws Pet Therapy visits
- Artwork for clinic rooms
The charity has also supported services including specialised paediatric care nurse training and counselling for children and young people of family members with cancer.
