MasterChef’s Rhiannon Anderson leads Townsville fundraiser

Inspired by her mother’s battle with ovarian cancer, MasterChef’s Rhiannon Anderson hosts a fundraiser in Townsville this weekend, aiming to advance research for early detection and treatment.

Masterchef runner-up Rhiannon Anderson is holding her annual fundraiser luncheon for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Rhiannon Anderson, known to many as the talented runner-up on MasterChef, has channeled her personal experience of loss into a powerful advocacy journey as the National Ambassador for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF).

Inspired by her mother’s battle with ovarian cancer and her eventual passing in September 2021, Anderson is using her platform to raise much-needed awareness and funds for research.

“I was made National Ambassador for OCRF after coming runner up on MasterChef and having my mother pass away from ovarian cancer,” Rhiannon told NQ Weekend. “When she was diagnosed it was terminal.

“She had over three years of chemo and numerous operations before passing away.

“This is a cause I have been passionate about since my mother was first diagnosed.”

This personal journey fuels Rhiannon’s passionate commitment to the cause, seeking to highlight the urgent need for early detection methods and modernised treatments.

“There is currently no early detection for ovarian cancer and OCRF is using all raised funds for scientists to find an early detection.

“They are also looking to get an incredibly outdated chemotherapy updated.”

Rhiannon’s dedication to making a difference is evident in her annual fundraising efforts, including a fundraising luncheon on October 12 at the Metropole Hotel.

Her goal is not only to surpass the $40,000 raised last year but also to foster community engagement and support.

Masterchef 2023 runner up, Rhiannon Anderson. Picture: Channel 10

Rhiannon said the generosity of the local community in supporting the fundraiser had been “overwhelming”.

“My sisters and I started fundraising for ovarian cancer when my Mum was first diagnosed in 2018 and we raised over $16,000,” she said.

“We had to stop fundraising for a couple of years to look after our mother.

“For this event we are at capacity and have sold 120 tickets and $110 from each ticket will directly go to OCRF.

“The Metropole have been incredible and are getting food, wine and table decorations donated.”

Rhiannon is optimistic about exceeding the amount raised last year through auction and raffle prizes generously donated by local businesses.

“There will be an auction run by Glenn ‘Minty’ Mintern with raffle prizes donated by local businesses.

“Our major sponsor, Townsville Stainless Steel, is very generously donating a custom-built outdoor stainless steel kitchen and barbecue.”

Masterchef runner-up Rhiannon Anderson is holding her annual fundraiser luncheon for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation at the Metropole Hotel on October 12. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Other noteworthy prizes include a MasterChef masterclass with Rhiannon herself, an anti-ageing skin rejuvenation package from Anna’s Skin Clinic, a luggage package from Swerve Surf and Ski, a specially commissioned painting from Allen Constructions, and a Georg Jensen necklace crafted for 2024.

At the luncheon, guests will enjoy a three-course meal curated by Rhiannon and the Metropole Hotel’s chef.

“We have an OCRF member Georgie Herbert flying in from Melbourne and also Alisha Thompson a local doctor and survivor of ovarian cancer to guest speak,” Rhiannon said. “We also have a lot of doctors/surgeons/gynaecologists/anaesthetists attending as we are all passionate about this cause.

“We have an incredible team organising the event with me such as Dr Sally Aubrey, Tom Aubrey, Anna Ravizza and John Ravizza.”

Originally published as MasterChef’s Rhiannon Anderson leads Townsville fundraiser