IT was a mixture of laughter and tears last week as Mount Gambier resident Anja Didsbury paid tribute to her aunt who sadly passed away from cervical cancer only a few months ago.
Seeing first hand the pain that patients go through and the courage and optimism of her aunt Robyn Messenger, the local nurse was inspired to raise money and awareness for Cancer Council SA.
What seemed like a far off dream of raising $10,000 was met and exceeded in ways never thought possible as Ms Didsbury brought together the generous Mount Gambier community at Thyme at the Lakes.
A night filled with dancing, singing and delicious food not only helped to spread awareness of lesser discussed cancers, but raised over $15,000 to help others fighting the disease.
“When I first came up with the idea I set the goal at $10,000 and thought that was a long shot, but when the final amount was read out on the night I think I almost fell off my chair,” Ms Didsbury said.
Over a number of months and with the support of her uncle Brian Messenger – Robyn’s husband – Ms Didsbury pulled together an event which will be remembered by many.
“I couldn’t have done it without Brian, he doesn’t think he’s done nearly enough or helped as much as what he has, but I know if it wasn’t for his encouragement and belief in me I wouldn’t have achieved anywhere near the result I did,” she said.
“I would also like to thank my husband Josh for his wonderful support and always helping me in every aspect of the event, it was important to me so it was important to him.”
However, there were a number of challenges faced in the lead-up to the big event.
“It was pandemonium right up to the last minute,” Mr Messenger said.
“The comedian pulled out only six days before and we couldn’t find anyone to jump in so we just thought oh well there isn’t much we can do about it.”
Thankfully, word got around and three generous James Morrison Academy of Music students put up their hands to perform on the night.
“On the day of the event I woke up to a message from the members of the Dan Mather Trio – they came in at such short notice and were brilliant,” Ms Didsbury said.
“We also had the lovely nine-year-old Isabelle Bidese perform – she dances for her grandmother who passed away from cancer and wears a broach in her honour on all her outfits.
“She had seen a Facebook post and asked her mum if she could take part – it was just beautiful and she did so well.”
Also praising Thyme on the Lakes for their hospitality, Ms Didsbury said owners and staff went above and beyond to support the cause.
“As well as donating $2 from every cocktail bought on the night, they also had ice cream cones for sale for $5 – unbeknownst to us they also donated all of that money to Cancer Council SA,” she said.
However, one of the most special moments was when Mr Messenger gave the final hair chop, finishing off what his wife had started when she cut a lock of Ms Didsbury’s hair before she lost her battle to cancer.
“I think it was always going to happen that way, well Brian was always going to make sure it would happen, which made it really special,” Ms Didsbury said.
“Overall the event went really well, I have contacted Cancer Council since then and they were just gobsmacked with how much money was raised.
“When we walked in the door that night we were sitting at $6000 with ticket sales and now we are at $15,000 – it is amazing.”
