“How’s that for little old Gunnedah?” Michelle said.

When she spoke to the Namoi Valley Independent in September, Michelle had originally hoped to raise $2000 at the event, but outstripped the figure by $9000.

“I keep using the word gobsmacked,” she said.

“I cannot believe it.”

Michelle organised the recent fundraising event with the help of friends and family at her property, “Fairview”, on Loss Road, with more than 130 people attending.

The event was a celebration for Michelle who has now been free of breast cancer for 10 years. 

“[It was] absolutely fantastic,” Michelle said.

“It was a great night.”

Guests enjoyed catering, cash bar, entertainment by Steve Wilson and an auction which saw items including a Shirley Urquhart painting, pink ladies’ work boots, and five nights’ accommodation at the Gold Coast go under the hammer. 

“We had Bert Hewitt come and do the auction and that was funny as a fit,” Michelle said.

Michelle said she was grateful for the wonderful support she received for the venture.

“Just overall, so many people coming and everyone enjoyed themselves,” she said.

“Everyone seemed to be having a great time and all the feedback was so good.”

Michelle said the organisation of the event was made easier with the help of her daughter-in-law Toni King, and Belinda, Geoff and Molly Dawson.

“Without her and Geoff and Molly, we couldn’t have managed,” she said.

Michelle was diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer in 2006, following a routine mammogram. 

Within two months, she had undergone a mastectomy to stop the spread of the aggressive cancer. A year later, she received an implant to replace the breast that was removed.

In the past five years, Michelle has held morning tea events for breast cancer, raising $8000. Combined with the funds from A Night Against Breast Cancer, she has raised a massive $19,000.

Mr Dawson said Michelle had done a "super job” of fundraising for breast cancer research.

“I basically just think we’re really happy to help because we’ve see her go through as personal struggle and she’s come out the other end of it a strong person,” he said.

“I’m just really proud of her, what she’s raised.”

- Vanessa Höhnke