Trish Blasdale, Ashley Deany and Jennifer Bradford looking the part ahead of the Joondalup-Wanneroo Relay for Life in October.
Camera IconTrish Blasdale, Ashley Deany and Jennifer Bradford looking the part ahead of the Joondalup-Wanneroo Relay for Life in October. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

All aboard in aid of Ashley

Justin Bianchini, Joondalup WeekenderWanneroo Times

Funds raised during the 24-hour, overnight, relay-style event at Arena Joondalup will help the council with its research and support programs.

Sisters-in-law team captains Trish Blasdale and Jennifer Bradford named their teams BRCA after the gene that causes breast cancer. However, their immediate concern is for Jennifer’s 25-year-old son Ashley Deany, who has brain cancer.

‘In 2007 Ashley was in a coma in hospital, when doctors called us in to consider turning off his life-support system,’ Jennifer said. ‘While the doctors were talking, Ashley woke up.

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‘That gave us heart and after a while we were able to take him home,’ she said.

‘However, Ashley needs 24-hour care. A wonderful group of people provide the care and I take him horse riding once a week.

‘Ashley has difficulty speaking, but we are hopeful a new iPad with a special program may help him communicate better.’

Trish said the teams’ fundraising included afternoon teas and girls’ nights supported by parents from Kinross Primary School. ‘Parents have joined the teams and are looking forward to the relay,’ she said.

‘Ashley’s brother and sister Joel and Grace have also joined up and if Ashley is well enough, he will take part in the relay’s Cancer Survivor’s Walk and afternoon tea.’

Meanwhile, more teams are needed.

To register or to form a relay team, call 0497 384 486 or email relayteamsjoondalupwanneroo@gmail.com