I first met Margaret when she attended her first Shop Steward training course in 2012. At that time, Margaret had already been an SDA member for 15 years.

Shortly thereafter, Margaret was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a full mastectomy, had chemotherapy and radiation. Margaret fought the battle and won.
During this time she had the full support from her work colleagues and management at Woolworths Caboolture South.

During her recuperation, Margaret decided that she wanted to tell her story and start a Cancer Support Group which was welcome to all in the Caboolture community who had been touched by cancer.

Four years later, Margaret’s Caboolture Cancer Support Group is going from strength to strength. The Support Group meets monthly and is open to women and men. It is open to all cancer patients, their families, friends and the wider Caboolture community. It is a place where people can talk, listen and be a support to each other.

Margaret is a strong believer in the holistic approach to cancer survival. She knows first hand that family, friends and community support is just as important as medical intervention.

The Support Group also raises much-needed funds so they can provide the necessary support and fellowship to the Caboolture cancer community. Margaret is grateful that her store manager allows her group to hold a week-long fundraising event out the front of her store. Also, other Woolworths stores in her district have become involved which has increased awareness and funds.

The SDA has regularly donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation for over 20 years. On behalf of the SDA Queensland Branch, I had great pleasure in handing over a cheque for $250 to Margaret for her New Beginnings Group in October. This year, Denise and Bruce Morcombe visited the fund raising event as well as Billy Tindall who raised money for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation by running from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast.

Margaret is a true inspiration and we wish her and Support Group every success for the future. For more information, click here.