Growing passion for charity
Gardener helps vital research cause
WHEN you meet Kearney Springs resident, Alma Williams, two things are clear – she loves her garden and she’s passionate about cancer research.
Alma has been a regular entrant in the The Chronicle Garden Competition for a number of years, and behind her passion as a green thumb is a special cause.
Since 2007, Alma has used her garden to raise funds for liver cancer research conducted by the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation.
Since they started fundraising, Alma and friends have contributed almost $30,000 to GMRF’s medical research.
“If nobody was doing any research we’d still be back where we were 30 years ago,” Alma said.
The funds raised are directed to GMRF’s medical research into better understanding and treating liver cancer, which is the fastest increasing cause of cancer mortality in Australia.
The five year survival rate of liver cancer is just 15%.
“It is a clear indication that more research is needed,” GMRF’s Sharon Wood said.
“GMRF, based right here in Queensland, is one of the institutes leading the charge on tackling growing health issue of liver cancer.”
GMRF also conducts a number of research projects aim at furthering understanding and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and the mental health issues associated with the transition for service to civilian life.
Alma is putting the call out to Toowoomba residents to consider using their garden as a way of continuing her fundraising in support of GMRF’s research.