Ambassadors to light up the night

Lanterns of love, life and hope will shine a light on leukaemia next month as Bunbury prepares to light the night.

Picture by Jon Gelweiller: Gold ambassador Bethanie Christie, blue ambassador Tom Busher and white ambassador Andrew Draper, front, are this year’s Light the Night Bunbury ambassadors.

Last night saw the official launch of the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night, sponsored by West Australian Regional Newspapers, publisher of the South Western Times, and the announcement of the three ambassadors who will put a face to the struggles of blood cancers.

The Bunbury Light the Night 2011 Facebook page has information and stories regarding the Bunbury event and fundraising activities that are happening locally.

This year’s gold ambassador, who remembers those lost to blood cancers, is Bethanie Christie.

Mrs Christie is lighting the night with a gold lantern in remembrance of her mother Avis Squire, who died from lymphoma.

The white ambassador is the face of blood cancer and represents those who have been diagnosed with blood cancers.

Young Andrew Draper was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma last year, but thanks to high-dose chemotherapy, the 11-year-old is doing well.

Rounding out the trio of ambassadors is Tom Busher.

Mr Busher, who is the blue ambassador, will give hope and support to others.

Bunbury Leukaemia Foundation community relationshipsmanager DebWilkins said Light the Night was about giving those affected by blood cancers an opportunity to remember, reflect and give hope.

‘‘It will truly be spectacular to see hundreds of illuminated gold, white and blue lanterns against the Bunbury night sky,’’ she said.

‘‘This is the third Bunbury Light the Night and we encourage everyone to register for the event at www.lightthenight.org.au and come and shine lanterns of love, life or hope to support people with leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.’’

Light the Night will be held on September 21 at Bicentennial Square.