Four former high school friends have come together with the Mansfield community and others to organise a fundraiser next Saturday afternoon to support their close friend Sarah Nichols following the recent crushing news of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Courtney Smith, Kate Raidal, Chantelle Casey and Katie Hastings were devasted when Sarah told them about being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer more than six weeks ago.
According to her friends, Sarah’s life and that of her young daughter Mia and partner Fabian changed dramatically from that moment.
Sarah has been the welcoming face on reception at Mansfield’s The Farmhouse childcare centre for more than four years but on receiving the news had to step down while she is undergoing immediate treatment.
The five women aged in their early 40s who all attended Mansfield Secondary College together have maintained a close bond since leaving school several years ago.
Latest Stories
“We have always been there for all the big life events,” said Katie even when they had moved away from Mansfield for a time.
Asked to describe what makes Sarah the person she is, Kate, Katie and Courtney were quick with plenty of responses.
“Is a dag, headstrong in a good way, head down bum up, a planner, dry sense of humour, fun, generous, loves to dance, and always have a laugh."
“We were feeling useless because we can’t cure the cancer but wanted to help,” Kate said.
“We wanted to take some of the financial pressure off Sarah and her family so she can concentrate on her treatment,” she said.
So, the plan to do something practical was hatched with the help of Sarah’s siblings Hannah and Callum Bono from the Alzberg Resort who provided the venue for the fundraiser.
Six weeks ago, the group of friends began planning for a family-friendly event with something for everyone and all budgets calling it “Socialise for Sarah”.
The posters sporting a pink theme and the smiling faces of Sarah and Mia can be seen around town.
There will be face painting, a sausage sizzle, a bar with beer and wine available, quality secondhand clothing sales, cake stall, silent auctions, raffles and much more.
To add to the atmosphere of the day local musician Brydie Smith will be playing.
“The generosity of up to 50 local businesses and individuals has been overwhelming,” said Courtney.
Raffle prizes and silent auction donations include a wide range of goods and services from various businesses, artwork, fresh flowers, alcohol, sides of lamb and horse feed.
“Something for every walk of life,” said Courtney.
The wearing of pink is encouraged and as part of building awareness around breast cancer there will be resources available from Breast Screen Victoria.
“We want to encourage others that breast screening is available and now free from 40 years of age,” said Katie.
The women agreed that if it saves one life with early detection it is well worth doing.
The afternoon kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 13 September at the Alzberg Resort, 39 Malcolm St, Mansfield and finishes at 6pm.
The organisers wanted to say how wonderful the Mansfield community was in coming together for a good cause and were appreciative of the generous support they had received so far.
