Shepparton’s Helen Long organised a number of fundraising events in support of cousin Lisa Benning’s children Jackson, 14, and Kira Benning, 12, before heading to Melbourne to tackle the 65km for cystic fibrosis event on March 16.
The first event was a high tea on Saturday at The Windmill Cafe at Emerald Bank, Shepparton.
The cafe was full of local community members eager to show their support for Mrs Long’s cause.
Ms Benning and Kira visited from Melbourne and were delighted to see so many people coming together for cystic fibrosis.
‘‘What Helen’s done is amazing,’’ Ms Benning said.
She could not believe it when her cousin called to share her plans for a weekend-long fundraising event.
Ms Benning also stressed the importance of Mrs Long’s support.
‘‘They really don’t get a lot of money and even CF in general doesn’t get a lot of recognition and not a lot of people know what it is,’’ she said.
As a long-time family friend, The Windmill Cafe owner Giulia O’Keefe was happy to help by hosting the high tea.
‘‘We’re very community-minded and she (Mrs Long) has always been a massive inspiration for me,’’ Mrs O’Keefe said.
‘‘I’m one of those pay-it-forward type people.’’
When Mrs O’Keefe and Mrs Long were organising the high tea, the idea of holding a market stall came to mind and was planned for the Sunday.
As part of the Shepparton Farmers’ Market, the stall included a number of craft items, home-made sauces and preserves as well as a raffle of goods donated by local businesses and individuals.
Mrs Long was overwhelmed by the support of the local community and $2609 was raised towards CF research and clinical improvements.
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