Carley Quinn knows what it feels like to lose a loved one to cancer.
The Werribee resident, 16, lost her grandfather to leukaemia eight years ago.
His death was soon followed by those of three other family members who had cancer.
She hopes that by taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s Light the Night walk this month she can help spare others the same pain.
“I saw the pain he was in and know the struggle of losing family members to this disease,” Carley (pictured) said.
“Gramps had a painful death. It was a horrible experience watching him die. We were getting called down to Geelong every week and he was getting worse and worse.
“I was very little and never really got over it so I hope that taking part in Light the Night can help me do that.”
Carley is taking part in the walk for the first time, having found out about it a few months ago. She hopes it’s something she can do again.
“So many people have family members who have died from cancer or leukaemia and this can help them out,” she said.
“It’s definitely a good cause because you can help raise money for research into leukaemia.”
Light the Night participants walk around Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens with lanterns lit in honour of their loved ones with leukaemia.
Carley’s friends and family, who she says have offered her lots of support, will join her on the walk.
Light the Night is on September 26 from 5.30pm. To take part, or to sponsor Carley, visit lightthenight.org.au.
