Over a hundred people who turned up to Margate’s Dru Point Centennial Park on Sunday to raise funds for brain cancer research were undeterred by the weather, which included heavy rain and even hail.

Event organiser, Senator Catryna Bilyk, said she was very pleased with the success of Tasmania’s first Walk4BrainCancer which has now raised over $11,000 for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.

“This money will provide valuable funding for medical research to better understand, prevent and treat a disease which kills more Australian children than any other disease,” Senator Bilyk said.

Senator Bilyk recognised that many of the people who turned up to walk on Sunday had friends and relatives who had been diagnosed with, and tragically, died from brain cancer.

“The fact that they continued with the walk in such inclement weather just shows how committed the community is to ending this insidious disease. I am impressed but not surprised by the determination shown by the event’s supporters,” Senator Bilyk said.

Walk4BrainCancer Tasmania was also attended by recently-elected Kingborough Mayor, Steve Wass, and State Labor Member for Franklin, Lara Giddings.

Senator Bilyk thanked the supporters of the event, including the Rotary Club of D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Kingborough Council, Louise Patterson and Julie Hendy-Cartwright, whose husband died of brain cancer.
“With the support of the community, I will work hard to ensure Walk4BrainCancer Tasmania is repeated for many years to come,” Senator Bilyk said.

Speaking at the event, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation’s Head of Engagement Barrie Littlefield said that Walk4BrainCancer was over half way towards its $700,000 fundraising goal for 2014.

“The $11,000 raised by the Tasmanian walk has made a significant contribution to our total, and is a fantastic result for Tasmania’s inaugural event,” Mr Littlefield said.

“While this fundraising effort is important, through representatives like Senator Bilyk we need to send a message to Canberra about the importance of prioritising brain cancer research.”

Senator Bilyk, who survived two brain tumours in 2008, is the co-convenor of the Australian Parliament’s Brain Tumour Awareness Group.
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK LABOR SENATOR FOR TASMANIA DEPUTY OPPOSITION WHIP IN THE SENATE