RACHEL and James Fennell might be in the building industry, but this week they helped build a better future for cancer patients in the Far North.
The couple, owners of Urban Properties, handed over a cheque for $20,000 to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, with a further cheque of $5000 on its way from Ben Johnston from The Property Shop.
The funds are the end result of their initiative, the Millhouse Estate No-Reserve Charity Auction, held in May, with a percentage of proceeds donated towards men's cancers in the Far North.
Foundation CEO Tony Franz said the funds have been earmarked for men's cancers which may lead to the purchase of a prostate-scanning device attached to the PET-CT scanner.
“We've been blown away by this event and the generosity of the people involved who really are passionate about health care in this region,” Mr Franz said. “They know that their donation goes directly to its intended purpose and that it will make a real difference in people's lives,” he said.
The Fennells' own lives have been directly touched by cancer, with Mr Fennell told five years ago, he had just 90 days to live as he was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer.
Successful treatment means he is alive to see his four children growing as well as celebrate his 15th wedding anniversary – ironically on the day he wrote out the cheque to the Foundation.
Property Shop sales and marketing director Ben Johnston said in addition, he would donate his $5000 commission from the transaction. “We are thrilled with how well this unique event turned out for the new owner of the block, who works within the health system, and the Foundation and the patients and staff it supports,” Mr Johnston said. “We are all touched by cancer in some way through people we care about and we feel it's important to be part of helping our community.
Photo: Property Shop auctioneer Lance Edwards, Property Shop sales and marketing director Ben Johnston, Rachel Fennell, James Fennell and Foundation CEO Tony Franz.
