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Marian Byfield

Royal Tea Member

Hosting my 20th year

In honour of People impacted by cancer

Donate to help me reach my goal

Raised

$15,654

My Goal

$5,000

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20 years on......Through the Years

In 2003 my husband Don was diagnosed with Cancer. This is a extract from words he wrote way back then:- 

Hi, I am a Truckie who has worked many, many long hours, I worked hard and I played hard, so you can imagine how this Tuff Truckie felt when he was told he is not invincible, and that he had a bit of a fight on his hands.  My wife Marian and I married in 1970 and had had our share of tragedy and heartache within our family, but instead of letting it destroy us we became stronger and closer to the point we are now "Bullet Proof".  But just when we thought the future was looking better, that we'd come a long way and  learnt a lot about life, I was diagnosed with Terminal Merkel Cell Cancer, an aggresive skin cancer. It matters not what type, all cancer is BAD.  I was told  "My Boat Had Sailed" and to get our affairs in order.
I can tell you it was very frightening!! I thought to myself this is not going to get me, no way!  We researched the internet and collected as much information as we could. We decided to find out what we could do to help ourselves to deal with it. 

I am 54 and Marian is 53 and a new journey has just begun. There is so much to be learnt especially from other people experiencing similar journeys, or who have the knowledge of what this diagnosis can mean. To become involved with an organisation such as Cancer Council Australia with all its support and information has been a Blessing. A new world has opened up and we are now looking at things with a much more positive and open mind.  

It isn't the end of my life, we consider this to be another part of another journey, we have a long way to go, and we need the support of the Cancer Council. So I am asking you to make a tax deductible donation to help them to help us, to maybe help you or a loved one. Every dollar you give counts, and will help people with Cancer, to improve their quality of life, for research, and to further educate the community on prevention.      
 
Dig deep, one in every 4 Australians will at some time be diagnosed with Cancer. Thankyou for your support.

Bless you, Don Byfield 

So that was a short narrative from Don back in 2003..

In 2005 I was elected  President of the social committee at the SwanYacht Club East Fremantle, giving me the perfect venue, and we held our first "Biggest Morning Tea" in 2005. It was a huge success and has been ongoing every year since, an amazing Community event, even through COVID. The total raised up until last year was $100,768.. People are amazing. 

Don did get through his initial Cancer and his amazing charisma and courage helped many other people along the way, Unfortunately his own journey didn't end there and for many years he has endured four different cancers, numerous surgeries, years of treatment, loss of dignity, disfigurement and loss of his amazing voice. He has courage in bucketloads.

 in 2018 I started my own Cancer Journey with Endometrial Cancer. Surgery, months of chemo and radiation, and long stays in hospital. The Carer became the Patient and vice versa. We were both having treatment in different hospitals, and we became known as the bandana twins. Thankfully I am ok now, and we have both had the good fortune to have used many services offered by the Cancer Council, benefited by the research into new treatments and programmes, and for me personally the helpline, my "Angels in the most difficult times."

We are holding our "20th" Biggest Morning Tea this year on the 22nd May at The Swan Yacht Club, who are so supportive.. Don and I are both Life Members.  My friend Barb Jefferys came on board after losing her sister to Brain Cancer in 2010 and with her energy, and an amazing team of volunteers, and great supporters, we all look forward to raising a cup, to raise money for our future generations. Join us for a fun morning with guest speakers, raffles, auction (loads of amazing prizes) love and laughter whilst raising that cup, not losing sight of the reason for being there. To support the non government funded Cancer Council in their fight against Cancer. And even though Don may not make it due to his health, he would be saying please dig deep, make a donation, no matter how small. Help us support the Cancer Council to support Cancer Patients and their Families you never know when you may be the one needing the help........ Cancer does not discriminate. In In 2025 in Australia one person is diagnosed with Cancer every 5 minutes.
Young old rich or poor. It has no favorites.  
Thankyou, as always, Marian Byfield x

Support my Biggest Morning Tea

Join me at my Biggest Morning Tea or donate online to help me reach my fundraising goal! Together, we can help Cancer Council raise much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs, and advocacy.

So far this year I've helped provide:

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9783

kids with
a SunSmart
education

or

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208

calls to trained
cancer professionals
on 13 11 20

or

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130

days of a PHD
student’s world-class
research

My achievements

Registered to
host
Added event
details
Uploaded profile
picture
First
donation
Made a self-
donation
Hit
target
Shared on
social
Invited
guests
Royal Tea
Member

Thank you to our Supporters

$211

Warren Goodchild

You both are truly an inspiration to all that know you and to those who hear about your battles, never ending courage & remarkable strength. Never Give Up !

$90

Eftpos Funds

$6.46k

Eftpos Funds

$1.74k

Eftpos Funds

$54.12

Tim Caudle

Stay in the fight!

$22.58

Kaylene Crawford

$6.13

Anonymous

$15

Anonymous

$6.13

Jody Stephens

$22.58

Peta Hawkins

My cousins husband has just had his third diagnosis, my cousin has been through it twice herself. Much love to all those affected, directly and indirectly xx

$1.62k

Carolyn Campbell

Auction Payment 💕

$106.12

Yvonne Pether

Apologies for missing your event 💕Yvonne

$1.02k

Richard Lee

$59.41

Chris Hudson

$515

Swan Yacht Club

A fantastic cause to get behind. 20yrs at the Swan. Congratulations

$211

Tim And Deb Gray

Hope Thursday goes well. Love Tim and Deb.

$349

Paul Virgin

$22.58

Stephanie Bowden

$515

Carolyn And Paul Campbell

You are both inspirational humans. What an achievement you have reached with all your fundraising over the years. Good luck tomorrow. Let’s break the record 💕

$59.41

Natalie Champion

Keep up the excellent work, my family as well has been hit by cancer. Xoxo

$100

Rbmc

$525

Keryl Caird

Love and support always Sorry I can’t be there this year 🙏🏼🩷

$27.81

Marg & Kevin Smith

Congratulations, Don & Marian, for all your amazing efforts in funding raising for a great cause.

$1,000

Val

Donated by Val of Kitchener Gardens in memory of my Mum Marie, Both great supporters.

$59.41

Renae Sargent

$27.81

Anonymous

Due to poor health, I can't make the morning tea. I am going to restart on the Maroon Bush Tea shortly. Not for cancer but an autoimmune kidney issue that is very serious now. GP said it was worth a try.

$59.41

Sue Brennan

$106.12

Jim

For Mireille 💕💕💕

$59.41

Bao Le

$208.60

Casey Reid

My beautiful family! Love you both xx

$59.41

Wade Mccullough

Hi Marian, Wishing you and Don all the best. See you soon xx Love Wade

$59.41

Maureen Meredith

To help those battling cancer and research into the future.

$58.09

Sue

$59.41

Christine Long

Thank you both for all you have done to enhance the lives of many.

$59.41

Gail Camporeale

Wishing you both all the very best going forward. Love you always . Gail and Don

$100

Marian Byfield

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