First call: Robert Burns says the Inaugural Bellarine Peninsula Relay for Life will let cancer sufferers know they have support.
KIM WATERS
Ocean Grove’s Robert Burns knows better than most the importance of supporting the Bellarine Peninsula’s inaugural Relay for Life this year.
After losing his wife to a 12-year battle with cancer, he’s calling for residents to get behind the fundraiser.
He urged residents to “put their hands up” for the event.
Proceeds would go to Cancer Council of Victoria to help fund research and support programs, Mr Burns said.
“A lot of people from around here travel to the Waurn Ponds event every year but I think it’s most essential we have our own down here.
“Every day you hear of someone who has just found out they have cancer and this is something we can do to support them.”
Mr Burns “struggled” for two years after the death of his wife in 2003.
“It took me a while to get back on my feet,” he said.
“I coordinated with Geelong Hospital and some people in Melbourne to start up a cancer support group in Ocean Grove and we’ve grown to about 12 people now. Sometimes I go and sit with people while they’re having chemo and I see little kids going through the same thing and it just hits home how desperately money is needed for these people.”
Mr Burns said the costs of cancer treatments were “like a kick in the teeth” for patients.
“Getting diagnosed is bad enough but then to have to fork out all the money for chemo and radiation therapy and treatments is even worse.”
Mr Burns encouraged residents to attend a Relay For Life information evening at Ocean Grove’s Bellarine Community Health on May 16.
“This is a small thing we can do but it means so much to cancer sufferers.”
