Bangalow backs Leander's bid to head off breast cancer

BANGALOW rallies to help mum support family while she undergoes double mastectomy to head off cancer threat.

LR at back, Ben Hills, Bangalow Lions Club Treasurer, Donna Jarrett, LR at front, Sharon Rudgley, Leander Russell and Sandra Harding. A group of ladies from Bangalow will run in conjuction with the Bangalow Lions Club a fundraiser to help Leander with funds to assist with her treatment and recovery. Picture: Mireille Merlet-Shaw

WHEN Bangalow widow and mother Leander Russell approached a friend for extra work to support her family while she underwent a double-mastectomy, she discovered the whole town was willing to support her instead.

A group of Leander's friends will hold a Christmas in July fundraiser at the Moller Pavilion to ease the financial strain the surgery and recovery will place on Leander and her three children.

"I realised the impact this will have on her and she shouldn't have to go through this alone," said Leander's friend and owner of Bang Burger Bar, Sandra Harding.

Along with other friends who fundraise for Relay for Life, Sandra proposed the Christmas in July event.

"People really care about each other in this community," Ms Harding said.

Mrs Russell has already endured more than most people her age after losing her husband, Kevin, to prostrate cancer in 2010 only to discover she, too, was at risk of the disease after finding a lump in her breast two years ago.

"After testing I found I had an elevated risk of breast cancer," she said.

"This surgery will reduce my risk to almost zero and I want to be around for my children."

The Love 4 Leander Christmas in July fundraiser dinner will be held at The Moller Pavilion in the Bangalow Showgrounds On Saturday July 27.

Tickets available at George & Fuhrmann Real Estate.

The Bangalow Lions Club have also set up a Summerland Credit Union account for donations to Leander.

Account name: Bangalow Lions Club

BSB 728 728

A/C 22212240

Ref: Leander