Col's army won't surrender

Margo Zlotkowski

Monday, June 2, 2008

NATALIE Mawer knew it would be tough after losing her brother to leukemia two years ago but that didn't stop her marching through the night at the Cairns Relay for Life event.

With her best friends Angie and Lucy Neil by her side, Ms Mawer joined about 3000 others at the massive annual fundraiser on Saturday night in a team dedicated to the memory of her "larrikin" brother, Colin Lucas.

"I thought I would be able to hold it together but as soon as they light the candles and play the music, it stirs you up," an emotional Ms Mawer said yesterday.

Click here to view Relay for Life picture gallery

"Once I lost it, they (Angie and Lucy) lost it. We grew up together in Atherton and we’re like sisters."

The friends’ team – "Camo for Col" – was a nod to Mr Lucas’ army days.

He was just 31 when he died after an eight-year battle against leukemia.

<strong>Emotional night: </strong>
Natalie Mawer (centre) is joined by close friends Angie (left) and Lucy Neil at Cairns Relay For Life.

Emotional night: Natalie Mawer (centre) is joined by close friends Angie (left) and Lucy Neil at Cairns Relay For Life.

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