Church raises cash

By Danielle Galvin
BEACONSFIELD mum Natalie Church is raising money for a cause that is close to her heart.
So far she has raised more than $13,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation with an army of her friends and family.
In 2009, her mother Christine Ambrose was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
It was a cruel blow after Christine beat breast cancer and was on the road to recovery.
“We were told that they don’t know the life expectancy of someone diagnosed with this sort of leukaemia,” Natalie explained.
On July 23, Natalie and the team gunners held a fundraising night at the Officer hall to raise money for the foundation.
More than 160 people came along, and the band Counterfeat entertained guests. “Our aim was to help the foundation and help to raise money to find a cure down the track,” she said.
Each year, team gunners raises money for the foundation.
In 2009, they managed to raise $2500 and last year they donated more than $5000 to the cause.
“In our third year, we wanted to do something bigger and better. Once I set my mind on something I have to give it my all, I can’t help myself,” she said.
On September 21, Natalie will light a blue lantern in Melbourne as part of the Light the Night event run by the Leukaemia Foundation.
The blue lantern represents hope and support.
Natalie’s eight-year-old daughter Tia has also been involved.
“I’m so proud of her that she’s shown such an interest in learning about leukaemia at raising money at her primary school,” she said.
Natalie and the other fundraising teamstars will light a lantern at the Alexandra Gardens next to the Yarra River on Wednesday 21 September from 5.30pm. Donations to the cause can be made online at www.leukaemia.org.au.