A Canterbury College student, set to compete as a national finalist in the 2017 Miss Teen Galaxy Australia pageant, is set to use her title to help raise money for a sick little boy.
Jazi Barnes, of Waterford West, has rallied to raise awareness for the upcoming Charity Ride for Charlie event, in support of Charlie Shirran.
The 19-month-old was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in March last year – a cancer often found in the small glands on top of the kidneys.
Jazi knew the Shirran family through friends and said she was determined to help when she heard of Charlie’s diagnosis.
“I don’t think it’s fair that little Charlie is going through what he’s going through, and I really don’t think anyone should go through it at any age,” she said.
“He should get the chance to live a full life; but obviously can’t until his cancer is gone.”
Jazi’s mother, Michelle Barnes, said close relatives and friends of the Shirran family have rallied to raise more than $168,000 – with a goal of $250,000 in mind – on the Superman Charlie Go Fund Me page.
Funds raised will send Charlie and his family to New York for “potentially life saving treatment”.
“We have been telling everyone about little Charlie and what he has been going through, and have been plastering the rally ride all over Facebook,” she said.
“We’ve been doing everything we can to say ‘hey everyone, this event is on and this little boy needs your help’ and we can’t wait to see how the event turns out.”
The Charity Ride for Charlie – which will consist of attendees riding motorbikes to Eagle Heights on February 26 – will start at the Bearded Dragon Hotel in Tamborine.
Motorbike riders will leave for their destination at 9.30am; however, registrations will be open from 8am.
Jazi urged community members to get involved and said she will be available for Cinderella photos – in her pageant ball gown – for a gold coin donation.
Every cent raised will be donated to the Shirran family.