Overwhelming support for cancer fundraiser

Ariarna Gotke, Makyla Gotke, Abby Barthel, Cameron Barthel, Ellen Undery, Rhonda Thorpe and Tash Gotke
Ariarna Gotke, Makyla Gotke, Abby Barthel, Cameron Barthel, Ellen Undery, Rhonda Thorpe and Tash Gotke

LOCALS united in their fight against cancer have raised more than $6,000 for the cause.

Supporters packed out the Beaudesert Tennis Club for the second annual High Tea for a Cause on February 18, organised by cancer survivor Rhonda Thorpe and her team of family and friends.

At time of print, the total raised was $6,344, which will be donated to Mater Chicks in Pink.

Rhonda thanked everyone for their generosity.

“We are so overwhelmed with the support of the community, and it just goes to show the community spirit is truly alive in our small town,” she said.

“In some way cancer unites us all to band together and fight against it. It gives us all hope that one day we will have a cancer free society.”

Rhonda’s team ‘Turtles Flippin Tits’, which put on the high tea, will walk in the International Women’s Day Fun Run on March 10 to help Mater Chicks in Pink fund practical services and research into making treatments more effective so fewer lives are lost.

She said it was a cause worth getting behind.

“Being a cancer survivor myself, this is a cause that is very close to my heart and I thank you so very much for showing your support. It means more than you can imagine,” she told guests.

“Not only do we want to help others who are going through their hardest time in their lives, we also would like to highlight the importance of early detection and bring awareness to everyone to check and listen to your body.”

Rhonda’s daughter Sarah Thorpe, who is the Beaudesert Show Society Rural Ambassador, spoke about the importance of support.

“Breast cancer is something that holds a special place in my heart. It is something that could have taken away my amazing mum,” she said.

“Cancer isn’t about what’s going to happen, it’s who is going to be there to support and hold your head high. It makes you realise that you are given the opportunity to live life to its fullest. 

“Everyone’s cancer journey is different, but for all of those who have fought, are battling, or who have survived, we stand with you, and we will always support you through this.”

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About Susie Cunningham 560 Articles
Susie is an experienced journalist with a love of sharing local stories and being part of the community. She is one of the partners behind Scenic Rim Media - the company that owns Beaudesert Bulletin, Canungra Times and Tamborine Mountain News.