MS Katrina Ridley, a Bowen Health Therapist in Boat Harbour, is organising a fundraiser for the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

It will be held at The Shoal Bay Country Club on Saturday, 3 August and will include an afternoon and an evening event.

A HMRI representative will give a keynote at the event and will join a panel of health and wellness practitioners.

The panel will discuss the need for medical research.

Ms Ridley is motivated to holding the fundraiser after losing her two nephews to illness only 10 months apart.

Twenty years ago, Patrick who was aged 10, lost his life to a chronic blood disorder.

Another nephew, William was aged just 20 months when he died of Leukaemia.

Ms Ridley told News Of The Area, “To say that this devastated their parents, siblings and the extended family is an understatement.”

“It was after this that I decided I wanted to make a difference in the lives of people who are in pain and or generally unwell.”

“I could never have changed the outcome for my beautiful nephews but maybe just maybe I could help others experience a better quality of life.”

Badged as an official fundraiser by HMRI, Ms Ridley has been given an Authority to Fundraise on their behalf.

Ms Ridley said, “For the last 20 years I have always wanted to do something in their memories.”

“Research at that time the boys passed away was not what it is today but even today there is a long way to go.”

“This fundraiser is also helping to ensure, in some small way, that HMRI can continue being a world leader in research for all types of illnesses.”

“HMRI is a Not-For-Profit organisation that relies on community based events to raise funds.”

“I cannot stress enough the importance of independent, quality research.”

“What makes HMRI more special it is in our own back yard and making a difference to the lives not just of we Australians but people throughout the world.”

For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://hmri.org.au/events/patch-will-boys-legacy-fundraiser or https://www.facebook.com/patchwillboyslegacyfundraiser/

 

By Heather SHARP