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Denmark community to join Melanoma March to honour memory of local father

Sarah MakseAlbany Advertiser
Mark O’Donnell with daughters Phoebe, 10, and Emma, 6 .
Camera IconMark O’Donnell with daughters Phoebe, 10, and Emma, 6 . Credit: Supplied

Two Denmark sisters will march in memory of their beloved father later this month as part of a national community fundraising campaign for potentially life-saving melanoma research.

Phoebe, 10, and Emma O’Donnell, 6, will take part in the 11th Melanoma March later this month to honour their father Mark O’Donnell who died of melanoma in August 2020, aged 42.

Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting 20-39 year-olds in Australia, with one Australian every six hours dying from the cancer — the highest rate in the world.

The sisters will be joined by their mum Heather O’Donnell to walk around Kwoorabup Community Park on March 19, with the aim of raising $10,000 for the Melanoma Institute of Australia to fund a world-first immunotherapy clinical trial for advanced melanoma patients.

Ms O’Donnell said a group of Mr O’Donnell’s friends will paddle on surfboards down the river beside the park to honour their mate, an avid ocean lover and surfer.

Mark O’Donnell with daughters Phoebe, 10, and Emma, 6 .
Camera IconMark O’Donnell with daughters Phoebe, 10, and Emma, 6 . Credit: Supplied

“Every year we want to do something to fundraise and raise awareness of melanoma as it is the most common cancer in young people in Australia and so many people have no idea how horrific it is,” she said.

“We want to raise awareness and keep Mark’s memory alive by raising money for critical research for advanced melanoma patients, both of which will save lives.”

Mr O’Donnell was diagnosed with melanoma in August 2019, after having a melanoma cut from his back six years earlier.

After tumours were found in his brain, lungs and gall bladder he underwent radiation and immunotherapy to treat the disease, which were unsuccessful.

Ms O’Donnell said Mark was a much respected member of the community and his passing had impacted many.

Heather O'Donnell with daughters Phoebe, 10, and Emma, 6, raising money last year at the Elleker run.
Camera IconHeather O'Donnell with daughters Phoebe, 10, and Emma, 6, raising money last year at the Elleker run. Credit: Supplied

“The girls would remember Mark as just being the most loving, dedicated dad,” she said.

“He loved the ocean, he loved being outside, he would do anything for his girls.

“When he was diagnosed the first thing that came out of his mouth was ‘my girls’, that gave him so much fight during his illness.

“We want to bring awareness and get people to be proactive with getting skin checks regularly and doing anything they can to prevent another family going through what we went through.”

Locals are encouraged to take part or support the walk on March 19.

To register or donate visit, denmarkwa.melanomamarch.org.au.

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