Cath knows she's making a difference for families

Cath Mott describes being part of a family's child cancer journey as a "privilege and an honour".

It's a journey she's walked with many families in the Lakes district, both as a children's outreach nurse working with the families, and through her role as a volunteer with the local branch of the Child Cancer Foundation.

Ms Mott said it was her role as a nurse which led her to volunteering more than a decade ago.

She said she was working with Pauline Hapi whose son had cancer and Mrs Hapi asked if Ms Mott would like to volunteer. "You see the need for a support group that is available to support the children and their families as they walk their cancer journey."

Ms Mott said one of the important aspects of the Child Cancer Foundation was that it supported the wider family like the siblings and grandparents, not just the child and their parents.

She said the two roles sat together well and she knew she was making a difference.

"These children actually teach you a lot. You learn from them and grow from that."

Her role on the committee includes fundraising, helping to organise family events and Christmas parties, as well as making sure families don't feel alone on their journey.

"I'm working alongside some very brave children and awesome families. I'm also fortunate to be part of a small, close-knit committee that is doing some fantastic work for those [people]."

Ms Mott said while she hadn't planned to stay a volunteer for so long, it could be difficult to get volunteers.

"I think for any of us it doesn't hurt to be a volunteer whether it's for a charity or a community group."

She said it was all about giving something back to the community.

Ms Mott believed if everyone gave a little then something big could be achieved.

"I hear people say all the time that they haven't got time [to volunteer] ... maybe they should make time for it because they can make a different in someone else's life."

The Rotorua Daily Post is running a campaign to help raise money for the Lakes branch of the Child Cancer Foundation. To donate money drop cash or cheques into the Rotorua Daily Post office on Hinemoa St. Cheques must be made out to the Lakes branch of the Child Cancer Foundation. All donors will be mentioned in the paper unless they request anonymity.