General News
16 May, 2024
Kettle on for cancer cause
For over 25 years, Peter and Lilian Skilbeck have opened the doors to their historic home to show solidarity for anyone in the community who’s been affected by cancer. The Skilbeck’s will host their Biggest Morning Tea event to help raise money...
For over 25 years, Peter and Lilian Skilbeck have opened the doors to their historic home to show solidarity for anyone in the community who’s been affected by cancer.
The Skilbeck’s will host their Biggest Morning Tea event to help raise money for the Cancer Council. Last year’s event was attended by over 150 people, which helped donate $4000.
Like many families, cancer has heavily impacted the Skilbeck family — in more ways than one.
“There is such a great need for what the Cancer Council do — how many families in our community alone have been touched by cancer,” she said.
“We certainly have been. I had breast cancer 41 years ago, so I can stand up and say you can survive, but I lost a sister to breast cancer, an aunt before that and then we lost a daughter to melanoma at 28.
“It was my daughter who suggested that we have to give back before she knew what was ahead for her.”
With their daughter’s encouragement, the Skilbecks began hosting the annual fundraising event, which has since grown into a gathering with unlimited tea, freshly baked scones, music, quilt display and stalls, taking full advantage of their heritage listed Plaistow Homestead, which was built over 180 years ago.
The event has been moved from its usual Thursday to Saturday to accommodate more people, with Lilian encouraging residents to be a part of the relaxing event for an important cause.
“The main reason we shifted the event to a Saturday was that a number of people over the years have said ‘we can never come, it’s during the week and we are at work, we want to come’,” she said.
“It’s very heartwarming to see so many people get involved in the event — it is very much a casual event, you can sit back, relax, socialise and enjoy the scenery.”
Since 1993, the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea has encouraged residents to make a difference for people impacted by cancer. Nearly $2 million has already been raised for the charity this year, with over 23,000 events registered for 2024.
Peter said it was a wonderful initiative, and was glad to support the efforts of the charity.
“The Cancer Council are not funded at all by government, they are entirely funded by donations and they do an immense amount of work,” he said.
“They provide nurse on call services, replacement wigs, financial support, respite care and most importantly funding research.”
Peter said the event is always a great opportunity for people to tell their personal stories about cancer, creating a strong environment for support.
“It is such a great day in terms of neighbours and friends coming together and talking, it has become a real community event,” he said.
“It is really interesting watching people coming together and talking about subjects and experiences you very rarely talk about.
“It is really important to have those talks about cancer as it opens up support that you need.
“Just telling people that if you have been diagnosed or you have a friend or family member diagnosed, you can talk to a nurse on call at the Cancer Council who knows how to support people.”
The Biggest Morning Tea at Plaistow Homestead at 324 Rodborough Road will be on Saturday, May 25, starting at 10 am. Entry is by donation.
For more information, or to volunteer for the event, call Lilian and Peter on 0419 884 710.
