Proud as punch: Blacktown Workers Club directors hand over a $75,000 cheque.
IT was a proud and emotional moment when Blacktown Workers Club’s directors took to the club’s stage and told the assembled crowd that they had contributed to saving lives in western Sydney.
An equally emotional Dr Michael Bourke received a $75,000 cheque to pay for a ground breaking piece of medical equipment that will help to treat oesophageal cancer patients.
Club director Kay Kelly said when the board members heard about the machine and realised western Sydney patients did not have access to one, they decided to donate the cost of the equipment to the Westmead Medical Research Foundation.
‘‘We thought this was something quite significant that would help a large part of the community,’’ she said.
‘‘Most people have been touched in some way by cancer.
‘‘There are only four machines of this type in NSW and this is the first in western Sydney.
‘‘Instead of being in hospital for weeks after treatment, it’s day surgery and you can eat the next day.’’
Mrs Kelly said it was an emotional moment for all concerned when the cheque was presented to Dr Bourke on stage in the club’s auditorium in front of about 400 people.
‘‘The boards and I were so proud to give Dr Bourke this donation and the members there on the night were equally proud,’’ she said.