Territory woman Ashliee Johnson nominated for Pride of Australia medal for tireless work to improve lives of cancer sufferers

A YOUNG Territory woman who works hard to improve the lives of those suffering from cancer has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal.

Ashlie Johnson, 24, has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal in the Community Spirit category for starting Sew for Cancer.

A YOUNG Territory woman who has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those suffering from cancer has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal in the Community Spirit category.

Ashlie Johnson, 24, of Palmerston, founded Sew for Cancer earlier this year after visiting the Alan Walker Cancer Centre with her dad, who is receiving treatment for colon cancer.

The initiative brings community members together to make scarfs, bandannas, beanies and bags to donate to the centre to help patients “feel good”.

“The idea all started because my dad’s got cancer and he’s been going for chemotherapy,” Ms Johnson said. “We were sitting in the centre and you see all these cancer patients that have lost their hair. Some weren’t wearing anything on their heads and I thought, ‘with the dry season coming up, I should make bandannas and scarfs to donate to the centre’.”

Ms Johnson, with the help of a handful of volunteers found through the Sew for Cancer Facebook page, have since donated dozens of fashion accessories to the Alan Walker Centre.

“I think it’s made a huge difference to people,” she said.

“So many people pull me up in the street and give me a thumbs-up when they recognise me and stuff like that.

“We’ve had a few donations of scarfs and beanies and lots of people share their sewing machines and fabric and give us donations to Spotlight.”

Ms Johnson said she hoped to one day make Sew for Cancer a national initiative.

She said she was “shocked” and chuffed at learning of her Pride of Australia nomination.

The Pride of Australia 2015 nomination period is open until July 19.

The 10 medal categories include outstanding bravery, courage, heroism, community spirit, child of courage, young leader, care and compassion, inspiration, environment and fair go.

News Corp chief executive Julian Clarke said since its launch in 2004, the Pride of Australia awards have highlighted the remarkable contributions people make in their local communities.

“More often than not they receive little recognition and no reward for their selfless efforts, so this program aims to celebrate and thank these true Aussie heroes,’’ Mr Clarke said.

Nominate someone for a Pride of Australia medal here.