David Johnson is the Chairman of the Matamata LBC Trust, so who better than he to introduce our speaker. Annabel joined LBC in 2014 in a new role to develop and strengthen business partnerships and sponsorships, as well as working on new fundraising and philanthropic opportunities. She is also responsible for Trust funding. Annabel has both law and marketing qualifications from The University of Auckland. She worked for many years in the hospitality and tourism sector, including management roles with Air New Zealand and Sheraton Hotels in New Zealand, Australia and China before moving to the not-for-profit profession.

 

Leukaemia is the fourth most common blood cancer in New Zealand. It's a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, causing abnormal blood cells to grow rapidly. Whilst it can affect people of all ages, it is the most common cancer in children. LBC was formed in 1977, and is not for profit, funding its work through fundraising events and support from individuals, companies, trusts, and grants as they do not receive government funding. They provide support services, education, research and advocacy: focusing on: clinical trials, access to treatment and survivorship.

Leonie gave thanks to Annabel, saying that she had the pleasure of going to Auckland University to visit the research laboratory, and remembered vividly seeing the zebra fish and asked what they were for. Zebrafish are genetically similar to humans and are often used as a model organism to study human disease.