Sharon Allen says she needs more fingers and toes to count the number of people she knows who have been diagnosed with cancer.
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“Some have lost the journey and some haven’t, thankfully. I think there’s been about five since I even started this campaign in January who have been diagnosed with cancer,” Ms Allen said.
It’s with those people in mind she’s taken on the “terrifying” task of joining the Stars of Dubbo Dance for Cancer.
This is the fourth year the Cancer Council event has been held. It pairs up local celebrities with Dubbo dance schools to raise money towards cancer research.
“It’s just about the cancer. In the end you can get up and dance and have a bit of a laugh and get outside your square but it’s all about cancer and raising money for cancer,” Ms Allen said.
The star had been approached in the past to take part in the event, but unwell loved ones and a broken arm had stopped it from happening. This year, Ms Allen has taken on the challenge – paired with Urban Edge Dance Studio – although she admits she was hesitant.
“I think on the night it’ll be a bit terrifying thinking if you’ll remember everything. There’s a lot of dance moves to remember. But the fundraising is probably the scariest thing because that’s why you’re doing it and you want to raise as much money as possible,” she said.
“That really is getting outside your square because you really do have to be not afraid to ask people to support you.”
Ms Allen is currently top of the Stars of Dubbo fundraising leaderboard. She’s raised more than $4000 and expects her major fundraising event next month to add at least another $3000 to the total.
On April 29, Ms Allen is holding a four-person ambrose at the Dubbo Golf Club. Entry for the $35 per person and includes a barbecue lunch, light refreshments and entertainment.
The event will also include both a silent and live auction.
The gold day is being held in addition to Ms Allen’s fundraising raffle. Every $25 donated to her Everyday Hero page receives one ticket into the raffle. Prizes include a luxury weekend getaway to Rothbury and a Lexus for a weekend.
Ms Allen said she had been having a lot of fun with Urban Edge Dance Studios and her ten backup dancers, even if she only just realised she won’t have a mirror to watch them for the next move on the night.
“I’m doing a 1977 hit which is fun, everybody will want to get up and dance and it’ll put everybody in a good mood. It’ll be colourful,” she said.
Ten stars will take to the stage for the Cancer Council NSW’s Dance for Cancer. The event will be held on Saturday May, 5.
Tickets are $100 per person and include canapes, a two course meal and entertainment.
See all the stars and follow their progress here: www.everydayhero.com.au/event/starsofdubbo2018.