News Archive

For the first time in Perth, hundreds will converge on The University of Western Australia to walk together and raise funds in support of families living with blood cancer.

As part of a recently formed Community Partnership between UWA and the Leukaemia Foundation, the popular Light the Night event will be held on the Great Court at UWA; one of almost 100 locations across Australia to host the organised walks. Bunbury, Busselton, Albany and Broome are just a few of the WA towns to also confirm their participation.

Walks will take place at dusk on October 9, meaning many thousands of Australians will join together on one night to remember loved ones and their own blood cancer journey, or simply to show they care.

Light the Night is now in its eighth year and raises funds for blood cancer research and support for families affected by the disease.

“Light the Night is an uplifting and visually stunning event that brings families and friends together to light beautiful lanterns, uniting the whole of Australia to create a brighter future for people with blood cancer,” Andrew York, General Manager of the Leukaemia Foundation in WA said.

“As dusk settles, thousands of Australians will light the night by raising their lanterns and carrying them along a gentle walk.”

Each Light the Night attendee will complete a short walk carrying one of three coloured lanterns; gold to remember someone, white for their own journey, or blue to show they care.

“More than 60,000 Australians are living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders, and every day another 34 people are diagnosed,” Mr York added.

“While research is improving survival, blood cancer claims more Australian lives than breast cancer or melanoma and so more needs to be done. We believe that one day, there will be a cure for everyone and our ongoing investment in research is critical to unlocking that future.”

University of WA staff and students can contribute to Perth’s flagship walk by donating to or joining the UWA team . Carole Bartlett, a UWA staff member and blood disease survivor, will captain the team on the night.

“In 2011 I was diagnosed with a rare, life threatening blood disease (AL Amyloidosis) and was put in touch with a support services coordinator at the Leukaemia Foundation,” said Carole.

“I was amazed by how much they do, not only offering  support in every way possible to families affected by a wide range of blood disorders, but also funding important research to understand the causes of haematological disease, to develop potential therapeutics and to improve diagnostics.

“Last year was my first Light the Night. I expected it to be emotional and there were a few tears as I remembered friends and family lost and celebrated my own journey. What I hadn’t expected was for it to be so uplifting, to have such a positive vibe, to find laughter and to really enjoy being there. The sight of all those coloured lanterns too is truly beautiful.”