Philippines concert for cancer victim

Press, 25 January 1989, Page 29

Philippines concert for cancer victim

A Philippines concert will be held in Christchurch on January 28 to raise funds for a visit by the mother and sister of a Filipino women who is fighting cancer in New Zealand.

The concert in the James Hay Theatre of the Christchurch Town Hall, will feature Filipino dancing and a fashion parade. A spokeswoman for the society, Mrs Julie Sturrock, said the proceeds would be used "for a noble cause.”

A Filipino, Mrs Jocelyn Simpson, discovered she had leukaemia three weeks after arriving in Blenheim from the Philippines. She is now in hospital recovering from a bone marrow transplant. The benefit represents the only opportunity her family have of raising enough money for the visit.

Mrs Sturrock said it was also possible that the proceeds could be used to set up a trust fund for any people in the Philippine community who found

themselves in a similar predicament.

“This shows that it is necessary to have a society which supports our culture. Christchurch has been very supportive of our society and enthusiastic about our culture, ethnic dances and music,” she said. Tickets for the benefit concert can be obtained from the Christchurch Town Hall on the night of the performance or Pike International Travel in the Triangle Centre.