Students wore beanies to raise money for the Mark Hughes Foundation for Beanies for Brain Cancer week.

 Year 12 student Ashley Doorey has a personal connection to the charity and spoke at assembly.

“In 2006 my Mum was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Over the next two years we watched as she fought this battle,” said Ashley. 

“During this time, she never lost her sense of humour or complained about what was happening to her. 

“She always had a smile on her face and still loved to laugh. 

“In July 2008 however, she lost her battle and this had a devastating effect on the whole family. It made us all feel so helpless.” 

Ashley signed up to the Beanies for Brain Cancer fundraiser and asked for help from her school and North Coast TAFE, where she is a TVET student. 

St Clare’s school captain Tom Dormor and vice-captain Casey Griffiths were quick to help Ashley organise something within the school. 

“I think the assembly helped people understand how close to home the disease really is,” said Casey. 

During assembly, Tom shared statistics, “Brain cancer kills more children than any other disease and more adults under 40 in Australia than other cancers. Yet it receives less than 5 per cent of government cancer funding.” 

Along with a bake sale and gold coin donation from beanies wearers, they hoped to make over $1000.  

School principal Peter Nicholls said, “to wear a beanie today or to give money at lunch is to work to be your best self.” 

“You are helping people you don’t know. Bringing hope to people in a hopeless state. All of us can work towards a world without cancer.”

Tomorrow Ashley will also hold a fundraiser at TAFE.