Brave boy's story remembered at child cancer support charity art auction

Ngareta Patea with some of the arts works to be auctioned at Parnell's Cafe next week. Photo by Bevan Conley.

The Art Auction Extravaganza at Parnell's Cafe next Thursday night will provide a chance to bid for some outstanding art work and support a worthwhile charity.

Brooklyn Hati-Bennett is remembered by many in Whanganui as a brave, sport loving boy with a winning smile.

Diagnosed with the rare form of cancer known as Rhabdomyosarcoma, Brooklyn was just 11 when he died from the disease in September 2012.

Brooklyn's whāngai (foster) parents Ngareta and Dom Patea established the BrooklynsLove Foundation to "alleviate some of the burden families experience as they take this cancer journey".

For the past five years, the foundation's work has been supported with funds raised from the Brooklyn Battle Touch Tournament which has become one of the most popular competitions in the central North Island.

This year, for the first time, Whanganui artists and business people are lending their support with an art auction.

Works for sale include paintings, prints, sculptures and three-dimensional harakeke (flax) creations by artists like Lisa Mareikura, Trina Taurua, Gabe Belz, Mike Quill and Marilyn and Marty Vreede.

"Some of Brooklyn's friends who attended Te Kura o Kokohuia School with him have donated their work to the auction," said Mrs Patea.

"Brooklyn loved his kura and his friends there.

"He hated that he couldn't go to school during his treatment because he was so susceptible to infection."

Mrs Patea said a child cancer diagnosis is traumatic for whanau and while financial support is often needed, information and emotional support are hugely important to families.

"Because we have had that first hand experience with Brooklyn, we can offer insight to families.

"We can walk people through it."

Mrs Patea said the auction is supported by Parnell's Cafe owner Te Aroha Macintosh and her team, Awa FM, Te Manu Atatu Māori Business Network, Te Kura o Kokohuia and H & A Print.

Any general enquiries or artwork donations can be directed via BrooklynsLove on 021 2424 005 or send an email to brooklynslove11@gmail.com.
Art Auction Extravaganza,Thursday Nov 23 at Parnell's Cafe, Whanganui. Cafe open at 5pm. Auction from 6.30pm - 9.00pm.