Tragedy spurs cancer cause

Two Waikiki residents have personal motivation to support Daffodil Day this Friday.

The day will hold special significance for Rosemary Woolmer, who lost her mum to lung cancer in February, 11 years after she had to say goodbye to her husband when he lost his battle with melanoma.

“This one is really for my mum — I do a lot of work for MelanomaWA, which is a big thing for me but I’ve also been a big supporter of Daffodil Day and have taken on the role of a volunteer too,” Ms Woolmer said.

“It’s absolutely everywhere (cancer), everywhere you go you know someone has cancer, I can’t believe how much it’s taken over.”

Ms Woolmer’s childhood friend, Sally Richardson, has also been deeply affected by cancer, losing her mother and father to the disease.

“My mum had cancer and she passed three years ago and then my dad had cancer and he passed away last year,” Ms Richardson said.

The two friends will be volunteering with bright yellow wigs in the city, collecting money and selling bears and pins.

“You may as well have fun with it and get dressed up,” Ms Woolmer said.

“I’m really happy with the progress because 11 years ago, we didn’t have anything to fight the melanoma whereas now they do.

“We need to get as much money as we can to give to these people to research to try and get a cure, or to give people more life and also to support them.” Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day raises funds for cancer research, prevention and support services with the vibrant yellow daffodil representing hope.