Pemberton community group will be ‘one step closer’ to raising their goal amount with fundraising event

A group of dedicated people are getting ready to host a highly anticipated event in Pemberton which will help raise much-needed funds for cancer research.

Southern Forest Steppers will run One Step Closer on February 11 which will include wood chopping, a spud-picking competition, face painting, a bouncy castle, an auction, marron races, and raffles.

The family-friendly event will also be a platform for several guest speakers, including group member Debbie Johnson — who is BRCA2 gene positive, putting her at high risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

She will share her cancer journey to increase understanding and awareness.

Event co-organiser Sharon O’Connell said the small local group aimed to raise as much money as possible for cancer research which would go to the leading West Australian medical research centre in Perth, the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

“Last year we managed to raise a record amount of $68,000,” she said.

The group take part in the institute’s New Town Toyota Walk for Women’s Cancer, walking 35km to raise funds.

Ms O’Connell — who lost her sister to cancer three years ago — said the cause was close to the hearts of many SFS members, who all had their own cancer journey stories to share.

“Our group has women and men that all have their own story to tell and have been affected in some way,” she said.

“A few of our walkers are battling their own fight now and we feel it’s one small thing we can do as research is the only way to stop our kids and grandkids from living the hell of the cancer journey.

“It is a very personal cause for me as my sister started walking in 2016 when it was a 60km event after she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39.

“Her children and I joined later and have continued her missions especially in the last three years since she lost her fight with cancer.”

The event will run from 3pm at the Pemberton Sports Club.