Rotorua digs deep for Audrey

by Matthew Martin matthew.martin@dailypost.co.nz
Going, going, gone! Those are the words Rotorua woman Audrey Martin wants to hear when it comes to her cancer and at last night's charity auction she heard them plenty of times.

The auction, held at the Rotorua Citizens Club, raised more than $8000 towards Mrs Martin's breast cancer treatment. The most valuable item, a painting by artist A Heenan, went for $300.

"It was an awesome turnout, so many items came in at the last minute so it went a lot longer than we thought.

"I'm just so grateful for everyone's support and I can't believe how much money we raised. I thank you all," Mrs Martin said.

More than 120 people turned out to the event bagging bargains galore donated to the charity auction by Rotorua businesses and private individuals.

Rotorua man Justin Patterson, bought a 9 carat gold bracelet, valued at $1200, for just $250.

"It was a bit of a bargain, I just hope there was no reserve.

"It will be going on to the wrist of my partner, it has to, she saw me buy it," Mr Patterson said.

"It's all for a good cause, my partner used to work with Audrey," he said.

Mrs Martin is now a lot closer to the $55,000 she needs to pay for her breast cancer treatment.

Before last night's auction she had already raised about $24,000 by selling 700 T-shirts designed by her and her friends, holding sausage sizzles and running raffles.

Although money raised from the auction is still coming in, organisers have so far counted $8006 and Mrs Martin says she is delighted.

"To raise that sort of amount in such a short time has absolutely blown me away."

The 51-year-old was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer late last year. She is undergoing chemotherapy but was told her best chance of survival was to have Herceptin treatment for 12 months.

The Government only pays for nine weeks of the treatment and Mrs Martin needs about $55,000 to pay for the 12-month treatment - money her family can't afford.

Mrs Martin said previously she would love to be able to raise $10,000 at the auction but didn't have any expectations.

More than 150 items and services donated by businesses and individuals were auctioned. The items included fishing rods, jewellery, artwork, furniture, crockery, skin care, camping gear and vouchers for various products and services.

"Some people who donated items were here buying other things. The generosity of Rotorua people was just wonderful," Mrs Martin said.