Lanterns lit to support foundation

DESPITE gloomy weather, more than 300 people came together to raise funds and support the Leukaemia Foundation.

Light the Night is a unique event to bring Australia’s blood cancer community together with friends and family.

The Toowoomba event was held in Queens Park last week, with about 320 people walking and raising their lanterns for a good cause.

Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland community fundraising officer Emma Quade said about $22,000 had been raised from the Toowoomba event so far.

“It is the only Leukaemia Foundation event where we can all get together as a blood cancer community, not just to support the foundation, but patients, survivors and to remember loved ones,” Ms Quade said.

“It is also so visually striking with the bright colours up against the dark night background.”

Attendees held gold lanterns to remember loved ones lost to blood cancer, white lanterns if they had they had been diagnosed themselves and blue lanterns were held by friends, family, work mates and the community.

The night also featured inspirational speakers and free entertainment.

“I would just like to thank everyone who attended despite the weather. It was a really good night. Thanks to everyone who donated and it will go to good use supporting patients,” Ms Quade said.

Thanks to everyone who donated and it will go to good use supporting patients. — Emma Quade

PHOTOS: KEVIN FARMER GOOD CAUSE: Members of Toowoomba Hospital team supporting Robert Heffernan (centre) at Light the Night are (from left) Isabel Purcell, Brendan Purcell, Natalie Purcell, Milly Heffernan, Evie Heffernan, Ruby Heffernan and Jett Heffernan.

Showing support for Erica Buchanan (centre) are friend Kerri Ryder and husband Craig Buchanan.

Dobwein Team members (from left) Zoe Doyle, Becky Doyle, Lucy Doyle, Riley Lobwein and Sonia Lobwein.