Father’s cancer battle inspired Michelle to raise money to help find a cure

WHEN Michelle Heaton-Armstrong’s father died of cancer, the northern beaches mother of three vowed to make a difference so other families weren’t forced to endure heartbreak.

Pride of Australia nomination - mother of 3 Michelle Heaton-Armstrong started 'Fight on the Beaches' after her father died of cancer. She and her committee are raising money for cancer research and last year one event raised $100,000. Pic of Michelle and her kids Charlie, 9, Oliver, 7, and Isobel, 2.

WHEN Michelle Heaton-Armstrong’s father died of oesophageal cancer, the northern beaches mother of three vowed to make a difference so other families weren’t forced to endure the heartbreak her’s did.

So she called on her local social networks and, together with seven other people, formed the group Fight On the Beaches which held its first event, a Christmas in July Charity Ball, last year raising an amazing $100,000 — enough to fund a cancer researcher for a whole year.

This year’s event on July 17 is already sold out and Ms Heaton-Armstrong and her committee believe they are on track to raise $150,000 for Cure Cancer Australia.

Her passion, dedication and genuine desire to help cure cancer has earned the North Narrabeen mum a nomination for the Pride of Australia Medal community spirit award.

Nominations for the Pride of Australia Medal, proudly supported by ClubsNSW, close on July 19.

“My Dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and towards the end deteriorated quite quickly and, as I was sitting by his bedside, I had very young children and I thought this is just terrible, something positive has to come off this to make sure other families don’t go through this same heartbreak,” Ms Heaton-Armstrong said.

“October 2013 was our first meeting and seven months later we had raised $100,000.”

“My Dad was my hero. It was just devastating to see this big strong man wither away to nothing.

“So when my daughter Isobel was nine months old I was ready to start thinking about making a change but I didn’t want to raise $2000 or $5000, I wanted to do something really big — and we have.

“October 2013 was our first meeting and seven months later we had raised $100,000.

“None of us had events experience — we all have kids and jobs and husbands who work long hours and 101 other things to do.

“Even now it’s quite hard to believe we accomplished that but to look $100,000 in the face and say ‘Sorry I’m too busy to do this again’ — you just can’t do that.”

She said everyone was affected by cancer and everyone deserved a cure.

While tickets for the event are sold out, donations of cash or prizes to be auctioned on the night could still be made.

“For that to be recognised is special for all of us”

“I feel very proud of what we have all achieved and the whole committee works so hard and it’s the northern beaches community that has said ‘yes, we are on board and we support you’,” she said.

“For that to be recognised is special for all of us.”

ClubsNSW CEO Anthony Ball said that the not-for-profit club industry was thrilled to be part of the Pride of Australia Medal.

“There is no industry anywhere that is more involved in the everyday life of Australians than the club industry,’’ Mr Ball said.

“That’s why clubs are so passionate about supporting and celebrating the local heroes who achieve incredible things in our community.

“The Pride of Australia Awards are a unique chance to recognise and thank our unsung heroes so if you know someone inspiring, make sure you nominate them.”