STRATHFIELDSAYE resident Daryl Lynch is hoping the community will get behind Saturday evening’s Light the Night event.
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Mr Lynch organised the fundraiser in just three weeks, and all money raised will go to the Leukaemia Foundation.
The event is close to his heart.
Mr Lynch’s father was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that attacks plasma cells in bone marrow.
“We found out about the diagnoses and then about three days later my dad heard on the radio that the foundation was calling for someone in Bendigo to organise the event,” Mr Lynch said.
“I have a background in fundraising and thought it was a great idea.”
Light the Night will be held at the Bendigo Athletics Track, with community members walking around the track at twilight, shining lanterns of hope.
Gold lanterns are to remember a loved one, white are to reflect on those who live with blood cancer and blue are to support others.
It is the first time the event will be held in Bendigo and Mr Lynch hopes to raise up to $10,000.
He said in the short time he had to organise the event he received strong support from Bendigo businesses.
“The support has been great,” he said. “So far I know that at least 100 people will take part in the walk and hopefully more can get involved.”
Mr Lynch said his dad was undergoing chemotherapy but would take part in the walk.
“Working on the event has been a positive thing for the family, it has given us the chance to do something to help,” he said.
“Hopefully we can make a difference and find a cure.”
Light the Night aims to raise $2 million to help Australia’s brightest researchers cure leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
The Bendigo event will be held at Bendigo Athletics Track on Saturday, between 6pm and 9pm.
Entry is by $20 donation, with a sausage sizzle and entertainment provided.
For more information visit www.lightthenight.org.au