Broome heads out for Kyle Andrews Foundation beach walk for children with cancer

Hundreds of Broomies flocked to Cable Beach on May 28 to take part in the annual fundraiser hosted by the Kyle Andrews Foundation to honour the legacy of the Broome boy and raise vital funds to support children with cancer. For the 24th year running, locals took part in the beach walk from Gantheaume Point to Cable Beach complete with live music, entertainment, and food stalls waiting at the finish line. Established in 1998 after the passing of Broome boy Kyle Andrews from leukemia at age 11, the charity has since organised outdoor camps for children fighting cancer and raised funds to support families and provide accommodation for those seeking treatment in Perth. Kyle’s mother and treasurer of the foundation Lee Anderson said while it was a busy day on Cable Beach with other events such as Net’s on the Beach, the event was still a huge success. “It’s been fantastic. To bring the (camp) kids up here today — they stand out because they’ve got the green shirts on and they’re in varying stages of treatment,” she said. “That’s what the community has done, they’ve provided them with a holiday of a lifetime.” Each year, around 15 children from Perth Children’s Hospital undergoing treatment for cancer are brought to Broome to experience Kyle’s love for the outdoors in camps run by the foundation. Cancer survivor Chloe Clements participated in one of the camps while undergoing treatment a few years ago and decided to move to Broome after falling in love with the town. “It was the best camp and the best experience,” she said. “I think the kids are so lucky to do this — after everything we’ve been through, I think it’s definitely a great idea.” Donations can be made to the Kyle Andrews Foundation website at kyleandrewsfoundation.com.au.