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Taking the lead to support local charity helping families cope with cancer

Supporting Local Charity

What a good feeling to know families with children undergoing treatment for cancer at the John Hunter and Mater hospitals will benefit from our recent ‘children’s party favourties’ fundraising effort, held in early June.

Harry’s House received a welcomed donation from the Mullane & Lindsay team that will directly support the management and upkeep of this important volunteer-run emergency and respite accommodation service at Stockton.

The house, located in Maitland Street, was purchased by David and Samantha Meyn to honour the memory of their seven year old son Harry, who died following nine months of oncology treatment for brain cancer.

“After Harry’s diagnosis, and during his treatment, our world was turned upside down,” said Samantha.

“We were aware of other families from across the region going through the same trauma, but were unable to be beside their children during long treatment periods because of accommodation issues.

“We just couldn’t imagine coping with that on top of everything else and knew we needed to help.”

Since opening in 2011 Harry’s House has accommodated up to 15 families a year at no cost. The service provides emergency housing, respite and holiday breaks for families who are either undergoing treatment or who are grieving for a child they have lost to cancer. Families can also use Harry’s House Mobile Retreat motorhome, as well as access special needs trikes and other recreational equipment.

The charitable foundation receives no government funding, relying on funds raised from four annual events including a golf day, fun run, charity ball, and bike ride along with the generosity of local businesses and the community.

The charity has had to regroup as last year’s COVID-19 restrictions impacted its ability to hold any events.

Hearing about this need, we decided our annual charity fundraising event would be a ‘children’s party favourites’ at our Hunter Street premises, complete with cupcakes, fairy bread, with all collected donations going to Harry’s House.

Samantha said receiving such support allows families ‘a home away from home’ during what can be a very difficult time.

We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause as, over the years, cancer has touched the lives of many of our team in some way.

Giving back to our community has always been, and will continue to be, very important to us.

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