By Luke D’Anello
TARYN Drewett will forever appreciate the work of the Leukaemia Foundation.
The Newport resident lost her mother to the cancerous disease in 2006 and is taking part in this year’s Light the Night, which raises funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation.
The money will go towards research into the disease and will help patients receive free support services.
Ms Drewett started her campaign with the World’s Greatest Shave in the year following her mother’s death and raised a staggering $25,000.
“I actually ended up being the third highest fundraiser in the whole of Victoria, so I was a bit happy with that. I have just tried to stay connected with the Leukaemia Foundation since then,” she said. “They have offered services both before and after my mum passed away, and I like to give back.
“You can only shave your head once, so Light the Night was another way to get involved.”
Ms Drewett, who is originally from Queensland, has registered for Light the Night in the past three years.
She will celebrate her 30th Birthday on the weekend of the event.
But instead of receiving presents from friends, she will ask them to sponsor her.
Light the Night is run across Australia and the Melbourne event will be held on 15 September at Treasury Gardens.
A balloon-raising ceremony will take place at the start of the evening, where people can light a gold balloon to remember a loved-one or a blue balloon to show their support.
Those who have beaten leukaemia can light a white balloon to celebrate.
Those interested in raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation can register by visiting www.lightthenight.org.au.
