Loss spurs cancer fundraiser

Warnbro tot William Harpley will never know his maternal grandfather.

At just five months old, little William has already lost four members of his immediate and extended family to cancer.

Rachel Harpley said her dad William Hughes died five years ago, aged 57, after battling an aggressive form of the disease which targeted his liver and bones.

She said her grandmother lost her battle with breast cancer about 10 years ago, followed by both her grandfathers, who died last year from different forms of the disease - just months before her son, named in honour of his grandfather, was born.

"I was very close to my dad so losing him was truly heartbreaking," she said.

"When I look at my son, it saddens me to think he will never have the opportunity to meet, learn from and love such a special group of people."

Now, the mother-of-one will hold a special fundraiser in memory of her lost loved ones to raise vital funds for Cancer Council WA.

Mrs Harpley said she was expecting about 50 friends and family members to attend the Biggest Morning Tea event later this month.

"I'm so passionate about supporting Cancer Council - there does need to be more research and more treatments," she said.

Contact rachael_harpley@hot mail.com if you can donate, or provide a raffle prize.