Walk will aid the Whitfields

THE Lennox Head community will soon participate in a coastal charity walk in a bid to raise more than $10,000 for a local family.

Dave and Lyndal Whitfield have struggled in recent years.

Three years ago, Dave was diagnosed with Grade 4 brain cancer and was told it was terminal. He has since had three operations and fears the tumour will return.

"I live two months at a time, as the average life span for someone diagnosed with this form of cancer is nine months," he said.

With regular MRIs and early detection, he hopes he can continue to be there for his two children, son Caleb, 7, and daughter Asha, 6.

In January this year his wife, Lyndal, suffered a stroke, paralysing half of her body and she was taken to a nursing home. Determined to regain her mobility, she returned home and is gradually improving.

But with ongoing medical costs, the family has been forced to sell their home.

This is when the community stepped in - Elders sold their home for no commission, and a group of mothers from Lennox Primary School have organised a weekly fruit box drop.

Now Chad Hamblin of Lennox Fitness Matters has decided to host a fundraising event.

"I hope you will put on your walking shoes and bring your wallets in support," he said.

"The Whitfields have been very grateful and overwhelmed by the community support."

Walkers will meet at Lennox Fitness Matters on Saturday, October 20, at 10am and venture over the headland to Sharpes Beach and back, finishing with an auction at the Lennox Cultural and Community Centre.

Help by selling or buying tickets at the Lennox Head market, donating to the raffle/auction, and by attending the walk and/or auction.

For more information, phone Lennox Fitness Matters on 6687 7468.