According to the ‘Cure for Brain Cancer’ website, about 1600 people are diagnosed with brain cancer in Australia annually and about 1200 die from the disease every year. Brain cancer kills more children in Australia than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer.

These statistics are only too real for young mum of two, Natasha Batinich, who lost her husband, Tim, to the disease in March this year. Tim was only 29.

“We decided to walk 29 kilometres, one for every year of Tim’s life, to honour his memory,” Mrs Batinich said. 

“So many people took part in the walk and donated their time, the response has been wonderful and I would especially like to thank all our sponsors for their support.”

“I am so passionate about raising money for this cause. I remember waking up one morning after Tim had passed away and thinking ‘no one should have to live without the one they love’ and I just started to think about ways we could raise money for research. 

“Professor Charlie Teo was wonderful to Tim – he hosted a gala dinner in Sydney, in honour of Tim on Mother’s Day,” Mrs Batinich said. 

“He is such a wonderful man, he will operate to try and save people that other surgeons have given up on.”

“That is why it is so important for me to raise money for the Foundation. We have quite a few events coming up – including a High Tea and a Black Tie Gala that we hope to turn into an annual event. 

The High Tea will be held on November 13 at 2 Lynch Street Young, from 11am to 3pm, hosted by Cherry Queen entrant Jacqui Everdell. Tickets are $20 each  and can be purchased from Boutique 99 in Young.

The first annual Black Tie Gala Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 19 at 6pm at the Young Golf Club. Tickets for this event are $100 each and can be purchased at Jolly Rogers in Young, or by phoning Natasha Batinich on 0400 575 783.