BRANDON TRIO’S $10K CANCER MISSION

When club member Jayson Farry (centre) was diagnosed with glioblastoma earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods (left) and David DeFranciscis (right), who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough. Photo credit: Jacob Casha.

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Three Brandon Bowls Club members have put their heads together to devise a plan they hope will raise $10,000 for cancer care.

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When club member Jayson Farry was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year, fellow bowlers Jamie Woods and David DeFranciscis, who has also battled cancer, decided enough was enough.

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“It motivated us to get off our a***s and do something,” David said.

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Now, the trio have teamed up with two prominent cancer foundations to deliver what they believe is the first event of its kind at the club.

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Set for Saturday 19th of September, the event will welcome locals near and far to Brandon Bowls Club for an evening of barefoot bowls, live music, food, drinks, raffles and an auction.

A barbecue will kick off proceedings from 5.30pm, with teams of four bowlers taking to the greens at 6.30pm for social competition.

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David, who will emcee the night, said non-bowlers should not be deterred.

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“There’ll be something for everyone,” he said.

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“Even if you don’t want to play, we’re having the drinks, the barbecue, the music. It doesn’t matter if you’ve only got $1—come out and show your support.”

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Every cent raised from entry fees, food and beverages, raffle entries and general donations will support Brighter Lives Townsville Hospital Foundation's mission to provide a cancer journal to newly diagnosed patients at Townsville University Hospital.

The journal will help patients keep track of appointments, access medical information and record important contacts.

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David said it was an idea he and his team were instantly onboard with.

“Once the doctor tells you you've got cancer, your mind goes blank. Your wife starts to cry. You go numb. You don't remember anything,” he said, reflecting on personal experiences.

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“I've told every cancer patient that I've known the last seven years to bring a journal. So when Brighter Lives said to me, ‘we're looking at fundraising for free journals’, I said, ‘we're in.’”

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David said the event has already garnered an “overwhelming” amount of support, with businesses across the region donating raffle and auction prizes and offering goods and services.

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“[The support so far] has been overwhelming for the club. This was just started as a conversation with three guys having a beer,” he said.

“This is what the Burdekin should be about. It makes you feel proud to live in a town that is giving so much.”

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With the event still two weeks away, David urged local businesses interested in helping the club hit its $10k goal to contact him on 0407 596 608.

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Donations can also be made on the night, with beanies and caps supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation available for purchase.

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Entry is set at $15 per person, with discounted beers set at just $5.

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