St Vincent’s Lismore helps Cancer Council launch Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Lismore gathered the Far North Coast & Northern Rivers communities together on Tuesday 10th May to raise awareness and be a part of the fight against cancer.

In its 23rd year, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is one of Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia.

Each year more than 11,000 Australian’s gather their friends, family or workmates, share a cuppa and tasty treats, and give support to those affected by cancer by raising funds for cancer research, prevention, advocacy and support services.

St Vincent’s Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steve Brierley said that cancer touches many people and the importance to having access to local oncology facilities on the North Coast as well as support services like the Cancer Council Information Booth, help patients and their families cope a little better.

“Local services take out that added anxiety of travelling out of the area for treatment and support.

“Celebrating Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is important to St Vincent’s as it provides an avenue of hope for a future of better early diagnosis, more information on cancer prevention, and improved treatment programs,” said Mr Brierley.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Coordinator Sarah Royall said: “In the Northern NSW Region alone, it is predicted that, in 2016, 2551 people will be diagnosed with cancer in a single year, with 749 deaths expected.

“Every Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea helps us beat cancer. This collaboration between Cancer Council NSW and St Vincent’s Hospital represents combined efforts to fight this terrible disease. The event is also supported by Bangalow Country Women’s Association, who have baked up a storm and selling their delicious goods to help raise funds on the day”.

“Money raised across the Region allows us to support key services such as Cancer Council’s Information Centre in St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Sunsmart for schools, Transport to Treatment, Legal & Pro Bono Financial services & the Accor Hotels Partnership which provides a home away from home for local people accessing treatment in Sydney”.

This year Cancer Council NSW hopes to raise over $4.8 million across NSW.