The NSW Government is providing $50,000 to the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur for fundraising to support cancer care at Campbelltown Hospital and Camden Hospital.
Health Minister Ryan Park makes the funding announcement as the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur's hosts it 20th anniversary event at the Campbelltown Athletics Centre today.
The annual cancer relay was established by the late Fred Borg in 2005 to raise funds for cancer care in the growing Macarthur region.
This year approximately 1500 people representing families, local businesses and community organisations will join the relay over a 24 hour period. Participants include the Dawn Breakers who will walk 22km from Camden to Campbelltown selling raffle tickets along the journey to raise funds.
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.
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.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"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.''
Quotes attributable to Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren:
"I thank the 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.
"Congratulations to the 24 Hour Fight Against Cancer Macarthur on its 20th anniversary.
"I know the efforts of this dedicated organisation are much appreciated by our local staff, patients and community.''
