Published Tuesday, 04 September, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Carroll’s runners dig deep for “Matty Patty’s” memory
TUESDAY 4 September 2007
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh, herself a member of Pat Carroll’s Running Group, this morning (Tuesday) presented more than $19,000 raised by the Group, to Childhood Cancer Support.
Group runners touched, in part by the story “Matty Patty”, the son of Pat’s partner Susan, have played their part in fundraising to help families caring for sick children.
Childhood Cancer Support began in Brisbane 1975 with a group of parents with children being treated for leukaemia and cancer at the Royal Children's Hospital.
In 1992 Susan’s 12-month-old son, Matthew Patrick, was diagnosed with a rare liver tumour.
Susan says it completely turned their lives upside down and inside out.
“My husband and I quit our jobs and with our 4-year-old son Ben, began a 12-month journey of dangerous operations, chemo, constant appointments, sleeping on hospital floors for 24-48 hours at a time, living with no income and facing new disappointments every day.
“At the same time we were trying our best to keep a 'normal' life for Ben who had just started his first year at kindergarten.
“It was at this time that I was introduced to Childhood Cancer Support.
“They offered us invaluable support, understanding and information. We lived 10 minutes from the hospital but our lives still became chaotic with no routine.
“It was at CCS that I met the families that CCS helped. Families facing the same life changing events but unlike us, they were many many kilometers from home and support.
“CCS offers families not only a place to 'stay' out of hospital grounds but offers invaluable support and creates a small community away from home that understands.
“Our little "Matty Patty" passed away 11 years ago, but sadly there continues to be many more little children diagnosed with cancer and many from areas outside of Brisbane.
“Necessary medical care takes these children away from their homes, schools and communities.”
Ms Bligh said that funds raised by Pat’s Running Group will help CCS to continue providing much-needed accommodation and support for families dealing with childhood cancer.
Previously the Group has raised more than $3000 for Camp Quality and more than $5000 for the Queensland Cancer Fund.
The South Bank-orientated Group, run three times a week in the city precinct, and raised the Childhood Cancer Support funds during their 2007 Gold Coast Airport Marathon campaign.
Contacts Deputy Premier’s Office 0408 720 081 Pat Carroll 0403 176672.
5.30am - 5.40am: 60-80 runners meet @ The Ship Inn South Bank (Cnr Stanley & Sidon Streets South Bank Parklands
5.40am - runners leave The Ship Inn for Riverside Drive West End
6.am: runners will take part in a 3k Time Trial back and forth along
Riverside Drive
6.30am: runners leave Riverside Drive for The Ship Inn
6.45am: runners arrive @ The Ship Inn
6.50am: Chq presentation.
Deputy Premier Anna Bligh, herself a member of Pat Carroll’s Running Group, this morning (Tuesday) presented more than $19,000 raised by the Group, to Childhood Cancer Support.
Group runners touched, in part by the story “Matty Patty”, the son of Pat’s partner Susan, have played their part in fundraising to help families caring for sick children.
Childhood Cancer Support began in Brisbane 1975 with a group of parents with children being treated for leukaemia and cancer at the Royal Children's Hospital.
In 1992 Susan’s 12-month-old son, Matthew Patrick, was diagnosed with a rare liver tumour.
Susan says it completely turned their lives upside down and inside out.
“My husband and I quit our jobs and with our 4-year-old son Ben, began a 12-month journey of dangerous operations, chemo, constant appointments, sleeping on hospital floors for 24-48 hours at a time, living with no income and facing new disappointments every day.
“At the same time we were trying our best to keep a 'normal' life for Ben who had just started his first year at kindergarten.
“It was at this time that I was introduced to Childhood Cancer Support.
“They offered us invaluable support, understanding and information. We lived 10 minutes from the hospital but our lives still became chaotic with no routine.
“It was at CCS that I met the families that CCS helped. Families facing the same life changing events but unlike us, they were many many kilometers from home and support.
“CCS offers families not only a place to 'stay' out of hospital grounds but offers invaluable support and creates a small community away from home that understands.
“Our little "Matty Patty" passed away 11 years ago, but sadly there continues to be many more little children diagnosed with cancer and many from areas outside of Brisbane.
“Necessary medical care takes these children away from their homes, schools and communities.”
Ms Bligh said that funds raised by Pat’s Running Group will help CCS to continue providing much-needed accommodation and support for families dealing with childhood cancer.
Previously the Group has raised more than $3000 for Camp Quality and more than $5000 for the Queensland Cancer Fund.
The South Bank-orientated Group, run three times a week in the city precinct, and raised the Childhood Cancer Support funds during their 2007 Gold Coast Airport Marathon campaign.
Contacts Deputy Premier’s Office 0408 720 081 Pat Carroll 0403 176672.
5.30am - 5.40am: 60-80 runners meet @ The Ship Inn South Bank (Cnr Stanley & Sidon Streets South Bank Parklands
5.40am - runners leave The Ship Inn for Riverside Drive West End
6.am: runners will take part in a 3k Time Trial back and forth along
Riverside Drive
6.30am: runners leave Riverside Drive for The Ship Inn
6.45am: runners arrive @ The Ship Inn
6.50am: Chq presentation.