Chris Patterson MP Camden made mention of 24Hr in a speech in Parliament. Contents of Hansard below:
24 HOUR FIGHT AGAINST CANCER MACARTHUR WALKATHON – 23 October 2014
I refer to the very successful 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur walkathon that was held in Campbelltown last Saturday—something that I have attended for many years. Unfortunately, last Saturday when my son, Tom, was playing cricket, he copped a cricket ball to the mouth so I had to stay with him and was unable to attend the walkathon. However, it has filtered back to me that the tenth anniversary celebration was a wonderful event. The 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur annual event raises much-needed funds and provides services and equipment to the Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, the Oncology Ward and the Paediatric Ambulatory Care Unit at Campbelltown Hospital, and the Palliative Care Unit and associated outreach service at Camden hospital to assist in the treatment, care and comfort of children and adults dealing with cancer in the Macarthur area. We all know cancer is an insidious disease that affects not only the people who have been diagnosed but also those who care for them.
The success of this annual event keeps growing. This year there were 19 teams comprising 1,500 participants. Communities from Campbelltown, Camden and Wollondilly came together for the special purpose of raising funds for local cancer care. Many people participating in the local walkathon have their own special story to tell about how cancer has affected them. They are survivors or they know a friend or family member who has been affected by cancer. I make mention of those who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer event, particularly Fred Borg, the organising committee chairman; Ken and Liz Stonestreet; and Uncle Ivan Wellington, the local Aboriginal representative. The Hon. Jai Rowell, member for Wollondilly, Minister for Mental Health, and Assistant Minister for Health had the honour of presenting Mr Borg with a $5,000 cheque from the Government to support this worthy cause. My good friend and colleague the member for Campbelltown, that opal of the south, was also there to support the people of Campbelltown.
Over the past 10 years approximately $2.5 million has been raised. This year’s event hopes to reach $3 million, which will be a remarkable achievement. The event is made possible by the hardworking committee, chaired by Fred Borg, who is supported by committee members Matthew Borg, Karen Burgoyne, Dr Stephen Della-Fiorentina, David Dykes, Gabrielle Dykes, David Eckford, Christine Edge, Adam Galway, Sharon Galway, Thomas Hatch, Isabella Hatch, Dot Lechner OAM, Brian Laul, Nicole Lefoe, Brooke Manzione, Sue McGarrity, Jeff McGill, Warren Morrison, David Muller, Matthew Muller, Bernadette O’Neill-Siambis, Emily Purcell, Rebecca Purcell, Sue Scobie, Sandra Speechley and Gail Van Dyk.
Without the generous support of major sponsors, the event would not have been possible. I thank Aquafit; ANZ; Bob Jane T-Marts; Campbelltown Mall; Clinton’s Toyota; Direct Uniforms; McDonalds Macarthur; Mr Rentals; the Quota clubs of Macarthur; Richardson and Wrench Campbelltown; the Rotary Club of Campbelltown; the Rotary Club of Ingleburn; the Rotary Club of Macarthur Sunrise; Sleeping Giant Campbelltown; Splendour Interiors; the Advertiser; and the Wizard of Oz Funland.
I also make mention of individuals and teams from my local area who supported and participated in the event. They are: Mark Wallington and the Dawn Breakers from Camden, Nicole Lefoe and Team Freckle from Mount Annan, Sharon Galway and the Long Way to Galway, Brenda Clarke and the Narellan Community Congregational Church team, Marilyn Estephan of Camden Splendour Interiors, Belinda Clark and the Bunny Nuts from Harrington Park, and Gai Ashby and Ashby’s Angels from Currans Hill. I am sure all those who participated had a wonderful time. Congratulations on their fantastic effort in supporting local cancer care in the Macarthur area. This is an outstanding local community event. I am sure that the member for Campbelltown will attest to the fact that the people of Macarthur come from a tremendously giving community and that they support their region. I commend everybody involved.