Play for good cause

Golfers are being encouraged to do their bit and tee-off in aid of the Leukaemia Foundation.

Ramada Resort is hosting the two-ball Ambrose charity golf event at the Busselton Golf Club next Friday.

General manager Damien Keenan said the event was the resort’s major local fundraising event for the year. “We’d like to raise $5000 for leukaemia — that’s our goal,” he said.

“The money stays local so it’s specifically for Busselton leukaemia patients.”

Leukaemia Foundation community relationships manager Deb Wilkins said blood cancer was the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia.

She said one person was diagnosed with blood cancer every 41 minutes in Australia and there were about 25 diagnoses each week throughout WA.

“Leukaemia is not just a young person’s cancer, it can develop in anyone, of any age and at any time,” she said.

“In many cases, treatment for blood cancer must start within 24 hours of diagnosis.

“If the person lives in rural or regional WA, it means leaving work, school and family and relocating to Perth for treatment for anywhere between three months and two years.”

Ms Wilkins said the foundation provided free accommodation for regional patients and their families as well as transport, education, support, counselling and financial assistance.

Golf club general manager Matt O’Connell said more than 50 players were already registered for the event, but he hoped to see more than 100 out on the greens. “It’s not about wining or your handicap — it’s about having fun,” he said.

Tickets are $50 per person. Visit the Busselton Golf Club website.