Dining for a cause

This will be the sixth year a fundraiser event has been held in commemoration of Kristy, who died in 2001 at only 23 years of age from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of muscle cancer.

All proceeds from this year’s dinner will be donated to theTamworth Rural Referral Hospital’s cancer ward, to be put towards the purchase of much-needed equipment for the support of cancer patients and their families in North West NSW, said Kristy’s sister, Lisa Pollock, Currabubula Station, Currabubula.

Previous events, which have been held at Walgett and Currabubula, have raised more than $250,000 for cancer research, and it was decided the proceeds from this year’s event would be given to a local cause.

“Previously the money raised has been donated specifically to rhabdomyosarcoma research, and in 2008 we donated the funds to the Hannah’s Chance Foundation, to be put towards sarcoma research and patient care,” Lisa said.

“This time it’s going towards the cancer centre in Tamworth, which is a great resource for the region – it’s such an important facility.

“When Kristy was diagnosed the family was based out at Walgett; luckily our parents had a house in Newcastle so mum was able to relocate there to be with Kristy during her hospital stays.

“But to have a facility like the centre in Tamworth now is so important for the rural community, who can now get the treatment they need and stay close to home.”

While previous events have been balls, this year’s fundraiser is more of a “rugby dinner”, Lisa said – during the day will be a home game for the Quirindi Lions against the Walcha Rams, before many players and spectators get dressed up and head to the Currabubula Station woolshed for the dinner.

As well as a charity auction and raffles, sports fans would be treated to talks from guest speakers including former Wallabies players Greg “Corney” Cornelsen, Damian Smith and David Carter; Australian gold medallist water polo player Bronwyn Smith and former New Zealand All Black Grant Batty.

Among the items to be auctioned to raise money are a signed John Eales Wallabies jersey, two tickets to the Auckland Bledisloe Cup with a flight voucher, as well as a long weekend holiday package for the Sunshine Coast, including a scenic helicopter flight.

Attendees will also be able to bid on a 10-person table at the famous Corney’s Luncheon, held at the Gold Coast.

Also up for auction will be items donated by local individuals and businesses, including a watercolour painting by local artist Gemma Evans.

“The support we’ve had from local businesses has been excellent,” Lisa said.

“The Magic Pudding in Tamworth is a major sponsor of the event and the dinner will be provided by Relish Catering at Narrabri.”

The dress code for the event will be black tie “with a splash of yellow or gold”, in recognition of the sunflower, which was Kristy’s favourite.

Only 220 tickets are available for the event, which will be held on May 10, and buses would run from Tamworth and Quirindi, Lisa said, with other buses to be organised depending on demand in other areas.

Visit the event’s Facebook site – corneygoesbush – or contact Lisa Pollock, 0407 936 177, for more information.