Community Spirit Thrives in Blacktown

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Marj & Ken Freeman of Blacktown have been involved in the Blacktown City 'Cancer Council Relay for Life' since its beginning and this year is no different as they enter three teams of friends and family.


For the past eight years Marj and her husband Ken have been strong supporters of the Relay for Life and even signed up as members of the Committee to actively work to fundraise for the Cancer Council.


Their involvement stems from Marj's own personal battle with cancer. In 1981 she was first diagnosed with breast cancer at just 38 years of age. After undergoing one of the first ever lumpectomy's in Australia, Marj remained cancer free until 1994 when the cancer returned and she had to undergo a mastectomy. In 2001 it was discovered Marj's other breast had also developed cancer and she underwent another mastectomy. Nine years on, Marj is cancer free and feeling better than ever.


The 2010 Blacktown City Cancer Council Relay for Life will take place over the October 30 - 31 weekend at Blacktown Olympic Park's Athletics Centre. Marj and Ken's teams include a team of their grandkids who are travelling up from Dapto just for the event.


"The camaraderie and friendships you make over the years is really wonderful. Blacktown has a great community spirit and with support from community groups and Council, it makes the Relay for Life all the more special," said Marj.


Marj and Ken's dedication to the Relay for Life has no limits, even leading them to schools in Blacktown to encourage students to come on board and help fundraise. In the future Marj looks forward to encouraging more multicultural groups to jump on board and spread the word even further.


"The Blacktown City Relay for Life has taken on a life of its own and progressed to become a regular part of the community calendar," said Ken.


Don't miss your chance to be a part of the 2010 Blacktown City Relay for Life. Register your team today by visiting www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au or call 9354 2000.

Media Contact :
Ros Pullen - Media & Marketing Officer - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6595
Karla Wyatt - Promotions Assistant - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6593