DANCERS from across Victoria and South Australia came together over the weekend for a dance in memory of Ray Graham – a dancer and choreographer – who passed away from brain cancer in March this year.
The event was held at Port MacDonnell Community Hall with dancers asked to donate a gold coin.
Although dancers were only asked for gold coins, the event raised more than $2000.
The funds were then donated in Ray’s honour to the fight against brain cancer.
Ray’s wife, Trish, said she was overwhelmed with the support she had received from those in attendance.
“I could not believe we had more than 60 people turn up to celebrate his life,” she said.
“Ray had said he did not want a funeral – he wanted those close to him to have a happy memory of his life, so a memorial dance seemed fitting.
“He truly had a huge impact on so many people’s lives – it was an amazing experience.”
One of Ray’s final requests was to have his ashes scattered at the Port MacDonnell jetty, a place he loved dearly.
As it was such an important aspect of his life, Trish wanted the dancers to have the opportunity to go out on the jetty and perform in his honour.
Unfortunately the jetty has been closed to the public due to the waterfront development, which would have made the idea impossible.
Despite this, Trish was determined to make it a reality.
“I called Gambier Earth Movers expecting them to tell me no,” she said.
“But I was pleasantly surprised when they agreed to arrange something just for us.
“It is now such a wonderful memory for all of us who took part.”
Looking forward, Trish said she hoped to make the dance a yearly event.
“This year was just in memory of Ray, but in future years I hope to just be raising money for an amazing cause,” she said.
Visit www.curebraincancer.org.au/tribute/ray-graham to donate.
