Turnout for Teambrendanm

Rainbows were on the walls, in people's hair and on tables with rainbow balloons reflecting the sky high feeling of people who attended the night to support local family, the Maloneys in their journey with cancer.

"The whole night was wonderful with a real feeling of warmth and community spirit," said one of the organisers Katie Marteene.

"Attendance was overwhelming from the community and the fundraiser raised well above expectations."

Around 300 people attended and organisers said the funds raised exceeded expectations. The event was emmceed by Andy Saunders, with professional auctioneer Steven Moy conducting the auction.

"Everyone came together to support such an amazing family and partied into the wee hours of the night," said Katie.

Katie says a particular highlight of everyone's night was a surprise visit from the Maloney family, with Brendan delivering a heartfelt speech he almost didn't get there to make.

"After a full week of 24-hour daily chemotherapy infusions, a late get-away and a flat car battery, the chance we would be able to pop into the TEAMBRENDANM event to say hello after our drive home, was not looking doable," wrote Brendan's wife Callie Maloney on her blog storyofus4.blogspot.com.

"An accident on the freeway that slowed the traffic down to a standstill confirmed in my mind that we would be going home to bed." Arriving in time for speeches, Brendan warmed hearts when he asked each person in the room to turn to the person next to them and hug them.

Brendan and wife Callie thanked the crowd and their supporters who couldn't make it from the bottom of their hearts.

"We were all very emotional and so proud to be part of something this special," finished Katie.

Editor's note: The Times was unable to find out how much money was raised in the night. A spokeswoman for the organisers said once pledges on the night had been received, the amount raised would be disclosed on the committee's Facebook page.