Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to update the House on the incredible success of childhood cancer charity Richie's Rainbow Foundation. It was established after local little legend Richie Walsh tragically lost his battle with cancer. Richie was just nine years old. Mum Lisa and dad Karl Walsh and their children Melissa, Luke and Layla vowed that Richie's strength, courage and bravery would never be forgotten, so Richie's Rainbow was created. As you might have also guessed from the name, Richie loved rainbows.

On Sunday 26 March, Richie's Rainbow celebrated their first birthday with a fun walk at Lota Park along the Wynnum Manly foreshore. And what a fantastic event it was. I, along with my team, local schools and 300 walkers united to help raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer research. I'm excited to share that, from this event, Richie's Rainbow has raised over $14½ thousand and still counting. This is on top of over $100,000 they have already raised and donated to childhood cancer research in their first year of operation. No child should ever die from childhood cancer, and I'm proud to support Richie's Rainbow as they work to make this a reality.