Mum seeks backing for cancer funds

By Rebecca Fraser
HAMPTON Park resident Kim Browne looks set to pull on her joggers this month to raise funds for cancer.
The 31-year-old mother of two will complete a 10-kilometre walk on Sunday, 18 June as part of the annual Age 2006 Run to the ‘G’.
Flanked by family members and close friends, Ms Browne said the walkers hoped to raise at least $1000 for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, which will soon be built at The Austin Hospital in Heidelberg.
Ms Browne said her family had been dealing with cancer ever since her 28-year-old brother Ryan was diagnosed with a rare form of the disease some two years ago.
She said his plight had spurred her on to sign up for the walk and she was keen to raise as many funds as possible for the cause.
Family and friends have already made generous donations but Ms Browne is in the process of contacting local businesses in the hope they too will get on board.
She said her brother, who has Ewing’s sarcoma, was undergoing radiotherapy at The Austin Hospital and she wanted to help raise funds for the family support centre that would be in the new facility.
“I really want to help raise funds to help the new centre. They will have a family support unit there to provide information on the different types of cancer. This is very important to both sufferers and family members as it really is a difficult time when someone is diagnosed. The money will also help increase cancer research and the new centre will have much bigger wards and facilities,” she said.
Ms Browne said the new centre would benefit patients and families from right across Victoria who travelled to the hospital for cancer treatment.
“I would be delighted if I could raise $3000 but if I get $1000 I will be really happy. I really hope some local businesses will support me,” she said.
Anyone wishing to donate to Ms Browne’s fundraising drive can contact the Star News Group office, phone 5945 0666.