Long-time Relay for Life volunteer, Terry McDermott has decided to hang up his walking shoes and retire from the charity.
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During his extended association with the Cancer Council Terry has volunteered for many roles including Great Lakes Relay for Life MC, volunteer committee member, and more recently chair, and as the member of parliament liaison advocate.
"It was my wife Sally, also a wonderful Relay for Life committee member for many years, who was instrumental in getting me involved," Terry said.
"Unfortunately, Sally was diagnosed with renal cancer four years ago and was given two and a half years to live.
"Thanks to a Queensland oncologist organising a trial drug for Sally that fires up the immune system, she has exceeded the original prognosis."
Through his position as member of parliament liaison advocate, Terry has highlighted the importance of many issues in the fight against cancer to Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead.
It was my wife Sally, also a wonderful Relay for Life committee member for many years, who was instrumental in getting me involved.
- Terry McDermott
"The highlight of our association with relay was 2017 which threw up many challenges due to the inclement weather," Terry said.
"The relay was postponed for three weeks thus giving the teams some extra time to raise additional funds.
"Twenty six teams ultimately raised $65,000 which was phenomenal considering the weather conditions.
"Following the candlelight ceremony the relay was completely wiped out by the thunder, lightning, wind and torrential rain; everything was blown away like match sticks."
At a previous relay in the Great Lakes the community raised an incredible $105,000.
"Cancer Council is indebted to the Great Lakes community for their unflagging support of Relay for Life.
"Monies raised go towards Cancer Council's transport to treatment to local Great Lakes patients and their families."
And funds raised help the Cancer Council run programs such as Living Well After Cancer, information booklets as well as providing financial assistance and legal services to local people who are financially disadvantaged through their cancer diagnosis, community relations co-ordinator, Lauren Fraser said.
"Events this big always take a lot of organising and bi-annually we have a great team of volunteers willing to help plan the event," Lauren said.
"We are always looking for new people to join the committee, so if you would like to be involved please put your hand up and contact myself at Cancer Council on 6659 8403 or email lauren.fraser@nswcc.org.au
Cancer Council would like to pay a very big tribute to Terry for his extraordinary support over many years and express what a pleasure it has been to have such a long and valued association.
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