IT was billed the Kuddles for Kristy Day a fund raiser held at the Taree Railway Bowling Club for Kristylea Bridge of Taree, who is battling a rare form of cancer.
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The day raised more than $15,000, swelling the funds for Kristy to more than $20,000.
This money will eventually be put into a trust account.
Kristy, 25, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in March this year. It's a cancer that usually attacks the brain, but it developed in her abdomen.
Kristy is just the fourth person in the world to be diagnosed with this form of the disease.
The fundraiser was organised by a committee that included Kristy's aunt, Narelle Salmon along with Lyn and Brian Schneider, Geoff and Bronwen Pensini, Lisa and Robert Cowden, Robyn Norris, Sally Murray and Matt Mullen and Don McLean from the Taree Panthers Junior Rugby League Club.
Kristy's mum and dad, Gary and Tanya Bridge, are life members of the Panthers. Taree Railway Bowling Club secretary-manager Peter Lane also assisted.
Narelle estimated a crowd of more than 400 packed into the club for the day that started with barefoot bowls around 10am and was still going well into the evening.
There were the obligatory head shaves, with Kristy's dad Gary, brother Todd, uncle Wayne and aunt Kristine all volunteering to have their locks lopped along with other friends. This raised $3500.
There'll be further head shaving at a function to be held at the Manning River Hotel on Friday July 19, starting at 6.15pm. Kristy, who now attends Newcastle University, is a former employee at the Manning.
All goods for a raffle were donated, the majority organised by Craig Martin from Bridgey's Sportspower and this realised $7600. Taree Panthers also donated $5000.
Gary told the gathering he was humbled by the show of support to his family and thanked all those responsible.
Kristy also spoke, revealing that tests she underwent in Sydney last week have been encouraging.
She returned to Sydney on Monday for further treatment.
"All I can say is from the bottom of my heart and the depth of my soul I want to thank everyone for their kindness and support,'' she posted on Facebook.
"To the organisers, there are not enough words, so thank you!''
"It just goes to show again that this town has a heart,'' one patron said.
