Angels put ill friend first with gifts of love and joy

A GROUP of high school friends who formed Candy’s Angels when one of them was diagnosed with terminal cancer has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal.

Pride of Australia nomination: Candy's Angels

A GROUP of young girls who became friends in high school and formed Candy’s Angels when one of them was diagnosed with terminal cancer has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal in the Community Spirit category.

Candy’s Angels is made up of former Palmerston High School students; Simone King, Faye Hutchinson, Nicole Huddleston, Laurren Sheriff, Carla Martins, Jazmine Hocking, April Robinson, Tanya Bower, Tarnie Reeves and Anita McLean.

The girls created the fundraising group when their friend – and Anita’s sister – Candice Clark, 22, was told by doctors that she had less than a year to live in October last year.

Ms King said the purpose of the group was to “raise money so Candy could tick things off her bucket list with her eight- year-old daughter, Enjay”.

“The aim is to create as many special moments between mother and daughter in the frightening time frame that has been given, while creating a future for Enjay and completing Candy’s bucket list,” Ms King said.

“We’re a group of childhood friends who are fun, loving, caring and would do anything for each other.”

Candy’s Angels has so far raised more than $25,000 for Ms Clark and her family.

“We’ve held local fundraising events, car washes, sausages sizzles and movie nights,” Ms King said.

“It was all thanks to the generosity of Territorians and the nation who were touched and inspired by Candy’s story.”

Ms Clark’s bucket list included a wedding to her long- term partner Steven, a “magical” eighth birthday for Enjay, a family holiday to the Gold Coast and renovations on her Acacia Hills home.

Ms King said the group’s drive comes from “the love we all have for Candy and her determination and inspiration she gives to those around her”.

“We love her and we wanted her last wishes and dreams to come true because she deserves nothing but the best,” Ms King said.

Details about the next fundraising initiative by the Candy’s Angels will be updated on Candy’s Fundraising Club Facebook page in coming days.

Head to the Pride of Australia page to nominate your hero.