The Mossman Port Douglas branch of the Cancer Council Queensland are praising the efforts of fundraisers who have worked tirelessly in pursuit of a cancer-free future.

Local branch member, Raelene McDonald, said it has been a big couple of months for the organisation.

"May and June are the busiest months for our branch with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea held in May and the Relay for Life held in Cairns in June.  Both events are our biggest fundraisers.

"I would like to say thank you to the wonderful and generous community that we live in," she said.

In the Cancer Council Queensland's 50th year, a number of volunteers hosted local Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea's raising a combined total of over $5,200.

Five fundraisers drew particular praise from Ms McDonald including:

• Grace Hoffman hosted her annual Morning Tea at the Mossman Bowls Club
• Margaret Quigley hosted her annual Morning Tea at the Wonga Beach School
• Bev Jones hosted her Morning Tea in conjunction with the Catering class at the Mossman High School
• Tammy Pelizzari hosted an inaugural Morning Tea at the Sheraton Mirage in conjunction with Carnviale
• Jenny Hutton also hosted an inaugural Morning Tea at the Mossman Hospital

The Cairns Relay for Life, held earlier this month, celebrated its tenth birthday with the Mossman Port Douglas branch well represented in all ten Relays. The teams raised a combined total of over $10,800 with team captain Jennellda Harlow breaking a team record this year by raising $10,300.

And the records didn’t stop there.  The Cairns Relay for Life broke national records with the most teams registered of 200 teams and the most amount of money raised with the total to date being over $535,000.

The area will now have the new Oncology unit up and running in Cairns which will eliminate some patients having to travel to Townsville or Brisbane for treatment.

Cancer Council Queensland has also been able to secure an accommodation site in Cairns to accommodate patients who do not live close to Cairns.

"Because of our hard working Volunteers, supportive businesses who provide prizes and donations, and the generous people of our community, we are able to make a difference," Ms McDonald said.