Cairns biggest morning tea event raises thousands for vital Cancer Council services

Angela Estcourt came face-to-face to death after being diagnosed with stage four cancer — and remarkably decided to be positive.

Breast cancer survivor Angela Estcourt was the guest speaker at Cairns Central's Biggest Morning Tea, a high tea for 60 people with all proceeds going to Cancer Council Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

Angela Estcourt came face-to-face to death after being diagnosed with stage four cancer — and remarkably decided to be positive.

The Cairns cancer survivor’s blood group is B positive, which is why it became her mantra but three years on she says it’s her secret weapon.

Ms Estcourt was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2022 but weeks ago was given a tentative all clear.

“I knew my prognosis wasn’t the best, but I didn’t want to know any of that I just wanted to fight,” she said.

“We can die of other things but we don’t have to die of cancer.

Kristy Vallely, Shontelle Skinner and Nikki Chill model winter fashions at Cairns Central's Biggest Morning Tea, a high tea that raised funds for Cancer Council Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

“My blood group is B positive so I thought that’s my new motto.”

Dozens gathered at Cairns Central on Friday morning for the Biggest Morning Tea and fashion show to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Cancer Council is Australia’s leading cancer charity, and the only working across research, prevention and support.

Since her diagnosis, Ms Estcourt said she had a new appreciation for life and what mattered most.

“Memories are the most important thing you can do with family and friends and it doesn’t matter, you don’t have to have cancer,” she said.

“Just enjoy each other’s company because that’s what life’s about.

“Memories are the thing that we hold within ourselves.”

Breast cancer survivor Angela Estcourt was the guest speaker at Cairns Central's Biggest Morning Tea, a high tea for 60 people with all proceeds going to Cancer Council Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Estcourt has endured neurosurgery, extensive chemotherapy and countless appointments but said Cancer Council’s free transport and support made it possible to live independently and ease the pressure on loved ones.

“I really kind of rely on the Cancer Council to take me to and from doctors, treatment and to do any scans,” she said.

“They’re such lovely people, and you get to know them and we have fun and laughs and giggles.

“I would much rather use them as transport than my daughters having to sit there watching me have treatment and taking day after day off work.

“That what way when we do take a day off we say let’s take it off and have fun.”

The event was expected to raise more than $5000 with the help of Coast Roast owners Graham and Dawn Kenyon and Chantelle Schilling who provided free food and beverages for the event.

Originally published as Cairns biggest morning tea event raises thousands for vital Cancer Council services