Larger than life and CancerFREE | Gold Coast News | Local News in Gold Coast

GOLD Coast cancer survivor Roger Large joined a group of Cancer Council Queensland volunteers to release almost 1000 rose petals at Burleigh Beach last week.

The 980 rose petals were released at the launch of Cancer Council Queensland’s CancerFREE Challenge and signified the number of Gold Coast deaths due to cancer each year.

Mr Large, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer seven years ago, said he enjoyed the day, which he started by trying to get on camera at the Today show recording on Goodwin Terrace.

“We talked to Steve the weatherman and a group of us got in one of the shots,” Mr Large said.

“It was a good day and most of the people on the beach had been touched by cancer.”

Mr Large said 500 of the total petals were donated from a friend’s garden in Tallai.

After a prostate cancer diagnosis seven years ago, Mr Large said he had been involved with the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Cancer Council Queensland fundraising and public speaking.

As well as competing in local dragon boat regattas, Mr Large raises money for the Cancer Council throughout the year.

“I collect money at events like kickboxing in Brisbane and the Oldies Rugby Club and Cricket on the Gold Coast,” Mr Large said.

“I also help out with any fundraising events like Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon, Biggest Morning Tea and anything else the volunteer committee needs help with.”

Community fundraising manager Megan Walker said the Cancer Council Queensland’s Challenge for Cancer was revamped and replaced by the CancerFREE challenge this year.

“It is about giving people a fundraising focus each month,” Ms Walker said.

“Each month will have a colour people can identify with for each fundraiser.”

Ms Walker said participants were not required to do a fundraiser every month.

“Some people might participate in a number of fundraisers throughout the year or others might just have one big fundraiser at one time of year,” she said.

Fundraising engagement manager Vicki James said 2764 new cases were diagnosed every year on the Gold Coast.

“The rates for Queensland are 20,000 new cases with about 7000 deaths and out of the 2764 on the Gold Coast 980 people die every year,” Mrs James said.

“Hopefully we will be able to reduce those rates to zero eventually. We would love to see dedicated locals, community groups and businesses join the CancerFREE Challenge this year, and help us make a difference in the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer.”

Mrs James said the CancerFREE Challenge was a fantastic opportunity to get involved and raise much-needed funds.

“We would love at least 30 residents to join the CancerFREE Challenge.

“The Challenge is a great opportunity for individuals and groups of friends, family or colleagues who are passionate about building a cancer free future to contribute towards raising the funds Cancer Council Queensland needs to invest in research, education and patient support.

Mrs James said the CancerFREE Challenge would run from Monday, March 15, until November 15 but participants could join any time.

For more information about the CancerFREE Challenge visit www.cancerqld.org.au.