Oncology’s secret angels

A team of secret angels have raised $25,500 in eight months to support local cancer services.

Pharaoh’s Secret Angels, a group who began fundraising in honour of a friend’s fight against cancer, presented a cheque to West Gippsland Hospital’s Oncology Unit. The funds will be used to purchase an additional treatment chair, new patient scales and more.

Volunteer Natasha Davis thanked the community for supporting the many events held by the secret angels. These included a bingo night, ladies day out, movie nights and numerous raffles.

Pharaohs Secret Angels formed two years ago to support their friend Liza Pharaoh during her cancer treatment.

The group raised $60,000 in its first year for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute.

“That result inspired us to continue fundraising this year to support local cancer services at West Gippsland Hospital,” said Ms Davis.

Liza Pharaoh said the team was an amazing group of women who had lifted her spirits during a challenging period in her life.

“Being part of the secret angels’ team and fundraising with friends to support others living with cancer has given me a focus and a mission. It has lifted my spirits during a challenging period.”

“The oncology team at West Gippsland Hospital do an amazing job but they are limited to a one day a week service in a small facility,” added Ms Pharaoh. “We hope our fundraising will help to purchase additional equipment and enhance services to improve the comfort and care of patients.”

Pharaoh’s Secret Angels are planning more events for 2020 with a charity golf day and ladies high tea on their fundraising calendar.

WGHG oncology nurse unit manager Anny Byrne thanked the angels for their ongoing support.

“Having a group of women so passionate about helping others lifts the spirit of our team and our patients, and we are truly grateful for their inspiring generosity,” said Ms Byrne.

Anyone wishing to support Pharaoh’s Secret Angels can contact pharaohssecretangels@hotmail.com.

A photograph capturing the busy platform at the Warragul Railway Station in the 1890s.

The town of Warragul grew up around the train station. It has been a major influence on the survival, growth and prosperity of the town since the line opened in 1878.

This was prior to a new northern platform and overhead bridge being built at the station in 1918.

Photograph and information courtesy of the

Warragul and District The society’s museum at the Old Shire Hall in Warragul displays a range of historical photographs.

It is currently closed but will re-open in February.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@ warragulgazette.com.au.