Eric Murray to attend Beads of Courage family fun day

Eric Murray will be one of the many people attending the Beads of Courage family fun day in Hamilton next month to support children with cancer.

Olympic rowing gold-medalist, Eric Murray, will attend the Beads of Courage family fun day in Hamilton next month – all in support of child cancer.

Organisers offer tethered hot air balloon rides, waka ama canoe rides, bouncy castles, egg and spoon races, pony rides and more.

Waikato business development and fundraising manager for the Child Cancer Foundation, Sharon Robertson, said the event is about “families giving things a go and having fun without [paying] an arm and a leg.”

Activities will be priced from $2, and range up to $5, with all proceeds going to the Child Cancer Foundation to support Waikato families.

This year there has been an “incredible response from businesses in Waikato, helping us to make this a really good event,” said Robertson.

Sponsors include The Verandah Café, Lollipop’s Playland, More FM, Sweet Pea Parties, Noel Leeming, Tops N Tales Costume Hire, Building Inspection Waikato, World of Pets, Porse and Smile Amusement Specialists.

The first Beads of Courage family fun day, held last year, was organised by managing director of The Verandah, Graham McFarlane, and raised about $10,000.

“We are hoping to exceed that this year, [but] of course it is weather-dependent, so here’s hoping for a lovely day,” said Robertson.

The Beads of Courage programme does not receive direct government funding or support from other cancer agencies, and it costs $500 annually per child.

Murray, ambassador for the Child Cancer Foundation, will be taking his 20-month-old son, Zac, to the event held at the Hamilton Lake Domain on Easter Monday, April 1, from 10am-4pm.

Find out what's happening at the Beads of Courage family fun day on Easter Monday. Image: Supplied
Find out what’s happening at the Beads of Courage family fun day on Easter Monday. Image: Supplied