FAMILY: William Skewes, 1, Nathan Skewes, Ryan Skewes, 8, Belinda Skewes, Baylee Dorchester, 11 and Ashleigh, 2.
THE BALLARAT community has rallied together for a local family in need.Up to $10,000 was raised on Friday at the Wilsons Fruit and Vegetables fundraiser for Ballarat’s Skewes family.Belinda Skewes was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of unknown primary origin late last year – an advanced form of cancer that spreads throughout the body without a known origin.The fundraiser was organised in support of Belinda, her husband Nathan and their four children Baylee, 11, Ryan, 8, Ashleigh, 2, and William,1.Close to 270 people attended the trivia night, hosted by Trivia with a Twist and held at the Wendouree Tennis Centre.Businesses around Ballarat donated products and vouchers for the event, which included games, an auction and a raffle.Belinda’s father Bob Moloney said the family had a fantastic time at the fundraiser.“The family was kept in high morale and appreciated all that it was – it was out of this world,” Mr Moloney said.“The main thing was that it brought the community together and it was just magnificent. They were blown away.“It really lifted our spirits to know so many people care out there.”The cancer was identified in December last year after a CT scan was conducted on Belinda’s neck and upper spine.Soon after, the 36-year-old was told she had an aggressive form of cancer that had spread to her breast, left ovary, ribs and legs. Wilsons shop assistant Mandi Van Hamond said the amount raised at the fundraiser exceeded any expectations.“We were originally expecting 100 people and about $3000,” Ms Van Hamond said.“Trivia has never sold that much memorabilia on one night. It was just insane and people were paying extra for everything.”Ms Van Hamond said the organisers aimed to make the night as enjoyable as possible.“Everyone who works here knows them (the Skewes) and we wanted to do something. It was definitely a good night out for them.”