Research boost offers real hope

KIRWAN State High School has hosted a medical research presentation of worldwide significance.

The school hosted the presentation from fundraising organisation The Cure Starts Now of $ 236,000 to world- renowned brain tumour researcher Dr Laura Franshaw.

Dr Franshaw arrived for Friday’s event in a helicopter with cancer survivor Lulu Demetriou and mother Josi.

Lulu was diagnosed at eight months old with cancer in her abdomen, bones and bone marrow and has defied the odds to reach her eighth birthday which was on Friday.

The Cure Starts Now director Ren Ped- ersen said Lola was a great example of the positive outcomes from the research funded by his organisation.

“We are bringing the best scientists to Townsville, funding the toughest cancer research we can and handing over the biggest cheque for these types of cancers in Australian medical history,” Mr Pedersen said.

He said the presentation of the cheque showed Townsville residents the money they helped raise was going where it was needed.

“It’s a direct example that we wanted to show our local supporters because we think that’s very important,” Mr Pedersen said.

“Every single cent goes to charity and we are all volunteers which is pretty rare in the charity game.”