When Wangi Wangi’s Noel Fishburn set out to honour his late partner Cindy, he never imagined the overwhelming support he would receive from the Hunter community.
At 73, the local resident is preparing to walk 40 kilometres, over two days, to raise funds for Calvary Mater Newcastle’s (SMN) Oncology Ward 5B, where the love of his life spent her final days.
After seeing her lose her battle with lung cancer earlier this year, Mr Fishburn will trek from the Waratah-based hospital to the Wangi Bowling Club.
The journey begins on Saturday 8 November, with a walk from CMN to the Commercial Hotel in Boolaroo, before continuing the next day to Wangi Bowling Club.
“This is my opportunity to give back to the hospital that cared for Cindy throughout her illness and during her last days,” Mr Fishburn said.
“I promised her that I would do this charity walk and raise funds for the ward where she was cared for.”
What began as a small fundraising effort has grown into a remarkable community movement, amassing more than $20,000 to date.
“I’m overwhelmed by the love and support from the community through donations and from those who’ve offered to walk alongside me in Cindy’s memory,” Mr Fishburn said.
Calvary Mater Newcastle’s cancer services operations manager Marissa Ledlin praised his selfless efforts.
“We are extremely grateful to Noel and his family for their incredible support,” she said.
“Through the money raised, we will purchase much-needed items that will help provide comfort and care to patients and their loved ones in the Oncology Ward at CMN.”
The walk will conclude with a community celebration at Wangi Bowling Club on Sunday 9 November from 2pm.
The event features raffles and an opportunity for locals to come together to honour Cindy’s life and legacy.
For more community stories:
- Visible reminder to spark mental health conversations in Maitland
- Sleapy has high hopes for inaugural cricket showdown
- Scholarship continues legacy of Cr Sinead Francis-Coan
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
