Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Whitsunday community continues to show its willingness to rally behind those in need, with the Whitsunday Escape raffle raising an incredible $45,600 to support Lucy Scarrott in her fight against cancer.
The Charter for a Cause raffle kicked off nearly two months ago, offering locals the chance to give back to four-year-old Lucy after she was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that has required her family to relocate to Brisbane while she undergoes treatment.
Determined to lend a hand, Whitsunday Escape launched the fundraiser with the help of Geoff St Clair and Kim Mitchell, who generously donated a five-night charter aboard their brand-new Seawind 1370, Sidetracked.
The holiday, valued at around $11,000, was offered as the major prize, with 1,000 raffle tickets made available at $50 each and proceeds going towards Lucy and her family.
By the time the raffle closed on the 31st July, 912 tickets had been sold, bringing the final amount raised to $45,600.
“We were blown away by the community response, both locally and from the Whitsunday Escape Community,” said Jaclyn Watson, general manager of Whitsundays Escape.
“We are so grateful to the owner for donating the charter on his brand-new boat, and to the Proserpine Lions Club for supporting us to run this raffle and collect the money, as well as distribute it to the family.”
“It really has been a community effort and we are so humbled to be part of it.”
For Lucy and her family, that funding comes at a vital time. Lucy just finished 30 complete rounds of radiation therapy and is nearing the end of her first seven cycles of chemotherapy.
The family says she’s dealt with the treatment better than expected, though it has begun to start taking its toll.
Depending on where she is in each treatment cycle, her blood counts and whether she is battling any viruses or infections, Lucy has been swapping in and out of patient care at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
For the family, the generosity from back home has allowed them to stay together, giving them the chance to devote their time to being by Lucy’s side.
“It means we can spend this time together as a family and focus on giving Lucy the support she needs,” the family said.
“It is a long hard road for Lucy, so being able to surround her with family every step of the way truly means the world.”
While the raffle has now wrapped up, those still wishing to donating to Lucy and her family can do so through their GoFundMe page:
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