Winterbottom visits CanTeen Qld open day
29/6/2004 0:16 (Press Release) -
Orrcon Racing V8 Supercar driver Mark Winterbottom took time out today to visit the patients and members of CanTeen Queensland in Brisbane.
Joining Winterbottom at the open day was Brisbane Lions AFL player’s Simon Black,Blake Caracella, Dylan McLaren and Richard Hadley, Queensland Reds Nick Styles, Peter Heinz, David Croft and Rudy Vedelago and Queensland Firebird Bianca Reddy.
The elite sportsmen spent time chatting to patients and members about their experiences and how CanTeen has helped patients and their families.
Last year Winterbottom helped one CanTeen patient, Grant Hamilton live out a life long dream by taking him for a ride in his Orrcon Racing V8 Supercar around Queensland Raceway.
Unfortunately Grant lost his battle against cancer earlier this year but the beaming smile that he showed after his ride with Winterbottom was remembered at today’s open day between Winterbottom and Grant’s sister, Lauren.
“It was always his dream to drive a V8 Supercar and the smile that he had on his face when he got out of the car is one memory will shine in my memory for a long time,” said Lauren.
“CanTeen did so much for Grant and to have Mark such a special part of Grant’s life meant so much to him, even though he was a mad Holden supporter.”
Winterbottom was also touched by the moment “It certainly brings a new respect from me on my life and how you should always take full advantage of every opportunity,” said the 23-year-old.
“Everyone at CanTeen is very friendly and supportive, it was good to be a part of the day and I look forward to supporting CanTeen in the future.
“CanTeen does a great job with the kids and everyone there has a positive outlook on life, something that I think everyone can take notice of.”
CanTeen is the Australian organisation for Young People Living with Cancer. It is a national support organisation for young people (aged 12-24) living with cancer; this includes Patients, Siblings and Offspring.
CanTeen was created by young cancer patients and its policies are guided by young people living with cancer.
Queensland CanTeen have a total of 240 members that comprise of patient members, offspring, bereaved offspring and siblings and bereaved siblings.
Winterbottom and his Orrcon Racing team mate Jason Bargwanna where the pair will compete in the team’s BA Falcons at round six of the V8 Supercar Championship at Queensland Raceway in Ipswich.
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