Hosts sought for Light the Night walk

The Leukaemia Foundation is calling on community-minded people of the Pilbara to volunteer to host a Light the Night walk this October to help local families affected by blood cancer.

More than 60,000 Australians are living with blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and every day another 35 people are diagnosed.

Light the Night is the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual fundraising walk to help more Australians beat blood cancer, with locations of community walks now being locked in across the country.

Leukaemia Foundation general manager Andrew York said most people knew someone who had been affected by blood cancer

“The Leukaemia Foundation supports families through services such as emotional support, accommodation during their weeks and months of treatment in the city, as well as transport to and from chemotherapy — all at no cost to them,” he said.

“Hosting a Community Light the Night Walk is a rewarding way to show you support local families affected by blood cancer and want to help more Australians to survive blood cancer and live a better quality of life.

“As well as giving the community the chance to walk in solidarity, you will be helping us raise the $2 million the Leukaemia Foundation needs through Light the Night to continue giving families emotional and practical support and funding vital research into less harrowing treatments and cures.”

Walks have been held in Dampier for the past few years and have been well attended. Last year, it was combined with the Guy Fawkes Night fireworks display.

“Our Light the Night community hosts are critical to bringing a little light into the lives of others, whether their walk involves a few families and friends in the local park, or a big event supported by councils,” Mr York said.