Lasting legacy

By Tania Martin
A DEVOTEDMt Evelyn family is continuing to hold a torch for cancer awareness following the recent loss of their mother.
Leonie Urquhart, 41, last month lost her 15-year-battle with melanoma, but her family is continuing her quest to raise awareness.
In her honour, they have joined the Yarra Ranges Relay for Life team for the second consecutive year.
Leonie’s daughter, Hannah, has even joined the organising committee.
Hannah said the relay wasn’t just about raising cash and awareness of cancer, but was a very spiritual experience.
She said the most important thing was continuing the fight her mum started.
“It’s important for people to understand how little time in the sun can cause cancer,” she said.
Leonie was first diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 26 in 1992. The vivacious redhead had spent time on the beach sunbaking in her teens.
She realised it wasn’t worth risking cancer to get a tan, but by that time it was too late.
Following the original diagnosis in 1992, Leonie had several years of remission before discovering a lump in her groin in 2004.
She had surgery and again went into remission, but the cancer returned in 2006. Hannah said the cancer continued to grow progressively but her mum decided to try a different path.
“For a while mum didn’t have any treatment and went along a different road going into more natural treatment and the cancer slowed down,” she said.
“We thought it was due to the natural remedies.”
Hannah said every time her mum faced a setback in her fight, she just kept on going. Despite the 15-year-battle, the Urquharts were not prepared for Leonie’s death. “We were always very positive every step of the way,” Hannah said.
It wasn’t until a few weeks before her death that the family realised it might be all over for Leonie.
“We all had our big cry then…it hit us that she might die, that she might not come through this,” Hannah said.
Leonie was moved to palliative care unit in Wantirna where she eventually succumbed to the disease on 14 September. The Urquharts are now carrying on Leonie’s passion to raise awareness of cancer, especially the dangers of melanoma.
Twenty-two teams have already registered for the relay event, but registrations are still open. The next committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 29 October at 7pm, Morrison House, Mt Evelyn.
The relay will run from Saturday 8 November till 10am the next day. During the event, teams of 10 or more will take turns keeping a baton moving around the Morrison Reserve Athletics Track, Old Hereford Road, Mt Evelyn.
All cash raised from the relay will go towards cancer research, education programs and support services. Those interested in joining the relay can call Lyndall Parsons on 0433 902 552.