Echonetdaily sales rep Michelle Hall has a not-so-secret passion: she’s a mad-keen rock ‘n’ roll dancer. And now she has a chance to show off her skills for a good cause.
Michelle is taking part in the Stars of Byron Shire – Dance for Cancer event, which will be held at the Byron Bay Community Centre.
It’s not the first time Michelle has supported the NSW Cancer Council – she’s taken part in the annual Relay for Life and held pyjama parties to raise funds for a cause she knows is worthy.
‘I am very passionate about the Cancer Council and our community,’ Michelle said.
‘I have been fundraising for the past 25 years with various events: many pink ladies’ nights out, at least four Relay for Life events and biggest morning teas’, she said.
She’s also organised trivia nights raising funds for the local primary school, as well as taking part in the Ballina to Byron walk for the Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
But Michelle says she’ll taking a rest from that this year as she focuses on her number one priority: getting ready for September’s Stars event.
Michelle has been partnered with accomplished local dance instructor Greg Wilson, and says she is looking forward to the challenge.
‘I know that Greg and I will be able to raise heaps of money. I have The Echo on board as my sponsor and I have heaps of ideas to help promote the event, teams and of course my team. I intend to do a diary of my progress so I can actually see how bad a dancer I actually am.’
Finding a cure for cancer is a cause close to Michelle’s heart, as she has had more than her share of family members affected by the disease.
‘My grandfather died of bowel cancer in 2006 and my aunty died of brain cancer, at age 46, in June 2008.
‘My mum (my best friend) was diagnosed with breast cancer at 49 then she was diagnosed with kidney cancer (non related) at 51 then breast cancer (non related) again at 53 then secondary breast cancer in the spine at 55.
‘She passed away November 13, 2008 at the age of 56. I was 39. I am now 46 and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her and the wonderful times that we had,’ Michelle said.
You can sponsor a star, make a donation or book tickets to the event at the Stars of Byron Shire Dance for Cancer webpage.
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