By Amanda Wright
Marie Williams has spent decades weaving her compassion into the fabric of the Mackay community, using her remarkable knitting talent to bring awareness and raise funds for causes close to her heart.
Handcrafting delicate pink and teal flowers—pink for breast cancer and teal for ovarian cancer—with sparkling bling in the centre, Marie is on a mission to spread awareness and raise money for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Her latest goal is to raise enough funds to purchase a defibrillator for the foundation, continuing her legacy of selfless giving.
A long-time volunteer with Mackay’s Scope Club, Marie was part of the team that donated a defibrillator to the Neighbourhood Hub.
Her contributions are sprinkled across the region, leaving “touches of Marie” wherever you go. One such mark is Marie’s Corner at the Trudy Crowley Cancer Care Centre, named in her honour after raising money to purchase a large, comfortable couch to provide comfort to those battling cancer.
Her handiwork can also be seen at the Memorial Pool, where knitted poppies adorn the space, a lasting tribute to her dedication to veterans. Previously, Marie knitted hundreds of poppies that decorated a wall at Mackay Base Hospital for ANZAC Day, raising funds for Legacy, a charity supporting veterans and their families. She also donates poppies to a local school, helping students fund their journeys to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day commemorations.
Despite a car accident four years ago that left her with a brain injury, Marie’s commitment never wavered. While she was unable to drive for some time, she regained her license in May and is determined to make the most of it before an upcoming surgery puts her back on the sidelines for a while. But even with these challenges, Marie’s nimble fingers continue to raise thousands of dollars for cancer patients, children, and veterans.
Her latest efforts also serve as a reminder of the importance of increasing awareness of ovarian cancer, a cause that doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. And with October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Marie’s beautiful pink flowers are a timely symbol of support and hope for those affected by cancer.
From veterans to cancer patients, Marie’s kindness and knitting needles have touched countless lives, and her spirit continues to inspire the Mackay community.
To purchase one of Marie’s flowers for charity, you can find her this weekend at Caneland Central on Friday and Saturday (September 20 and 21) near the Reject Shop and Coles, while on Sunday she will be set up at Bunnings Paget.
Marie Williams standing beside the cozy couch she donated to the Trudy Crowley Cancer Care Centre, the space affectionately known as 'Marie's Corner.' Photos supplied
Marie spends hours every week knitting flowers for charity
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