World’s gone bananas Happy face of cancer relay

l CAIRNS

G’DAY Tropicairnsians.

To those that may have been unfortunate to have read my first attempt at writing a column way back on 18/09/2020 titled ‘Pineapple on pizza’, well it was an absolute rambling of uneducated words (nothing’s changed, huh?).

But while waiting the other morning for the jug to boil so I could get that first cup of tar into me, watching Sunrise on the idiot box I was intrigued to hear of some twit septic tank’s new pizza creation, a banana pizza. Stone the crows, now I know that happy herbs are just about legal in every state of the USA, but maybe they should stop mixing LSD in it.

This drongo has made up this monkey meal apparently inspired by the king (Elvis) who loved toast slathered with pea- nut butter, bacon, cheese and sliced banana.

Now I could agree with peanut butter, bacon and cheese on a pizza, but you might as well kick me in the shins and put on bloody pineapple pieces with the banana too (boofheads).

I had so many plans for this year. One of my adventure events was to do a second bungy jump, this time tied together with my daughter, and with me in my Bumble Bee outfit again after I rang the bell in “E” block.

But unfortunately my stage 3 cancer has now increased to stage 4 melanoma blood cancer and now also stage 4 melanoma lung cancer.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not looking for pity, absolutely far from it, I want people to smile, laugh and live life to the fullest and enjoy yours and everyone’s time to the maximum, because for the most of us we only get one healthy go at it.

Up here in the tropics we have so much to live for, the best rainforest in the world, reefs that are the envy of everyone, small towns and markets that are so friendly, colourful and vibrant and with our road network in a fair to good condition that makes it safe and enjoyable to get there.

So here is what I am suggesting is for you to look around and find something interesting to do or see.

It does not have to make you scream, it can also make you feel warm and fuzzy, even better yet, invite someone less fortunate to join you and help place a huge smile on their dial.

While sitting here writing this column I just had a thought. One adventure that has not been done by this nutcase is hot air ballooning and, yes, we do have the facilities at Mareeba. I wonder how they will react seeing this painted beard pop up and over the basket. That’s the next one to add to and tick off the bucket list.

So, for all my friends out there that may not have the best of health at the moment – like me – please don’t sit around and feel sorry for yourself. Find someone to give you a hand up to live and enjoy the most beautiful and fantastic life we have been given.

As the Monty Python song says: Always look on the bright side of life.

Smiling is living, Wayne l

Parramatta Park

| Nick Dalton

LARGER-than-life character and regular Santa Claus Wayne Marshall has been named the official face of the 2023 Far North Queensland Relay For Life event.

The Woree resident has participated in Far North Queensland Relay For Life events previously and is known for his extravagant costumes.

This year, he will be leading the official event on Saturday, July 15.

Mr Marshall also has been diagnosed with cancer when in August last year an aggressive melanoma was found on his left shoulder.

The melanoma was removed and a lymphoid gland sent for testing.

“Two weeks later I received an urgent call to go back to the doctors where I was told that all the melanoma was removed but unfortunately the lymphoid gland came back positive for stage 3 melanoma blood cancer,” he said.

“The hardest part of this journey was telling my family that, in fact, I’m not indestructible.

“I’ve previously died twice – first in 1985 from a bike ac- cident and then in 2009 due to a heart blockage that required a pacemaker.

“Telling them of my diagnosis came as a complete shock.”

Mr Marshall’s cancer journey became harder in March when doctors informed him that the melanoma blood cancer had progressed from stage 3 to stage 4.

He was also diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma lung cancer.

“The treatment has seen a few side effects, the worst being fatigue, but I’m handling life pretty well,” he said.

“While I’m not out of the woods yet, I’m just so grateful to have an incredible support system by my side during this journey.”

Despite his diagnosis, Mr

Marshall remains in high spirits and is dedicated to helping raise awareness and essential funds for Cancer Council Queensland.

“I started with Relay For Life to help those impacted by cancer, and since my diagnosis I freely tell others of my journey,” he said.

“I don’t want sympathy though – I want to make others aware that life still goes on no matter what.”

This year, the Far North Queensland Relay For Life Committee aims to raise $140,000 to support Cancer Council Queensland’s life-saving cancer research, prevention programs and support services.

Cancer Council Queensland chief executive officer Andrew Donne said this year’s Far North Queensland Relay For Life would be a truly special event and he was thrilled that Mr Marshall was this year’s Face of Relay.

To celebrate the launch of the Far North Queensland Face of Relay, the committee are offering 50 per cent off registrations from Monday, May 8-Monday May 15.

To find out more or to register for the Far North Queensland Relay For Life, visit: www.relayforlife.org.au or call 1300 65 65 85.