First Ambassador for Leukaemia & Blood Foundation

Hilary Barry Becomes First Ever Ambassador for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation for Appeal Week

Leukaemia Appeal Week Nov 4 - 10, 2008

To launch Leukaemia Appeal Week the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) has appointed Hilary Barry to be the first ever ambassador to promote the Foundation's work. Hilary has been closely involved with the LBF for over four years helping to raise funds, but officially becomes an ambassador on November 4th 2008.

Hilary Barry kicks off Appeal Week along with television personalities Mike McRoberts and Alison Mau by hosting a Lunch for Leukaemia at the Villa Maria Estate Winery to show their support for people living with leukaemia.

Hilary Barry, LBF's new national ambassador, says: "I have been involved with LBF for the past few years after a colleague of mine at TV3 was diagnosed with leukaemia. She told me that the LBF had quite literally saved her life. The organisation provided her with all the information she needed about her disease and was there with vital support when she needed it.

"Leukaemia is one of the fastest growing cancers in the world and the work of the LBF in New Zealand is essential in providing support services to a growing number of patients," she continued.

"I'm delighted to be involved with the LBF and look forward to helping them to raise awareness of the organisation and funds for ongoing services."

Six children and adults in New Zealand are diagnosed everyday with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition and this figure is set to rise. Leukaemia is the leading childhood cancer and blood cancers combined are the fifth most common cancer in this country.

Pru Etcheverry, Executive Director of the LBF, says: "We are absolutely thrilled that Hilary has become our first ever ambassador for the LBF. She has generously supported us over the years with many of our fundraising events and we are so appreciative to have her involved with our organisation in this way.

"The diagnosis of leukaemia can have far-reaching consequences for patients and their families. The LBF receives no government funding. As such, the energy and enthusiasm of people like Hilary is invaluable and ultimately makes our work possible," Ms Etcheverry concluded.

It is estimated that there are currently 10,000 New Zealanders living with a blood cancer such as leukaemia or lymphoma. These diseases can strike anyone, at any age, at any time, they often occur without warning and have symptoms that are typical of many other diseases or illnesses.
Please call 0800 15 10 15 or visit www.leukaemia.org.nz for more information

ENDS

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