Ann is a treasured gift By Kerrie Martin
EVERY now and then you come across someone who is so truly inspirational that they touch your heart in a way that makes you feel proud to be part of the human race. Vintage FM’s Ann Willmington, wife of Wayne Willmington, mother of Clare and Jack, is one such person. Ann was diagnosed with a brain tumour seven years ago that very nearly claimed her life. Given just a ten per cent chance of survival, Ann underwent a sixhour operation to have it removed – and defied all the odds. Without paying too much thought to needing recovery time, Ann threw herself into raising funds for Music For Life – because she felt motivated to find a cure for brain cancer so that little children didn’t have to go through the ordeal that she did. Then in early 2012 the unthinkable happened – during an annual check up Dr Charlie Teo delivered the unfortunate news that another brain tumour had grown. Ann underwent surgery to remove the tumour and once again, thankfully, the operation was a success. I spoke to Ann a week after her second major surgery, and I was amazed to hear
that the most important thing she had on her mind was organising that year’s Music For Life function. Fast forward to 2014 and there’s no pinning this girl down, she’s at again! This year’s fundraiser for Dr Charles Teo’s Brain Cancer Foundation will be
held on Friday the 13th of June at the Panthers Pavilion. The theme this year is a Red and Black Masquerade Ball (Yee-haaa my colours, baby) so be sure to choose a mask that defines your personality and goes with your glad rags. Oh and make sure you have your dancing shoes on because the Enormous Horns and DJ Sax will be rocking us through the night. Masks can be prepurchased from the official mask supplier, Behind The Mask Costumes by choosing from the website www. musicforlife.net.au and your mask will sent with your ticket or can be collected at the ball. The proceeds from the masks also go to curing brain cancer. The Ann Willmingtons of the world are a treasured gift to our community. Please help this amazing and courageous lady realise her dream of helping those – including small children – who are diagnosed with brain tumours. Tickets to the event can be purchased by calling 4731 1876.
Vale Gary Fizzell
IT is with great sadness that we report the sudden loss of Veteran Gary Fizzell, from St Marys Outpost. Gary passed away in his sleep on Sunday night. As funeral arrangements had not yet been made at the time of going to print, please contact the St Marys Outpost for details by contacting 9833 4711.
JUNE 6
13 Nepean News 29 May 2014 Issue 125
local news