Community
3 April, 2025
Fundraiser in Mick's memory
WHAT started as a heartfelt fundraising effort for Lily Lourey’s 27th birthday became a commemoration for the Lourey family following the sudden passing of Mick Lourey.
As Western District Newspapers reported last week, former Terang resident Lily Lourey was back in town to set off on a 27-kilometre run on March 27, the day after her 27th birthday, to raise funds for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.
The effort took on a far deeper meaning after her uncle, Mick Lourey, died the day before the run.
Mick had been the original inspiration for Ms Lourey’s decision to set about on the fundraising effort, but with his unexpected death she acknowledged the approach to the effort was reshaped in honour of his memory.
“It’s obviously been a difficult 24 hours – it just all happened so quickly,” she said.
“He had been unwell for a while, we knew he wouldn’t be with us much longer, but this provided a way for us to honour him.
“It was great to have their opportunity to both commemorate and celebrate someone we love so much.”
After news of Mick’s death spread throughout the community, those mourning threw their support behind Ms Lourey’s fundraiser which quickly reached $6100 at the time her run ended.
At the time of publication, the fundraiser has reached an incredible $8305.
“The response from the community has been incredible,” Ms Lourey said.
“It’s a testament to who he was and the legacy he has left behind.
“It’s been incredibly overwhelming.”
The generosity was further bolstered last Thursday evening when Terang Mortlake Football Netball Club donated the $746 takings from their Thursday night raffle to the cause to remember Mick, a former Bloods trainer and coach.
“The community have gone bananas supporting us,” Ms Lourey said.
“For me, it’s never about me or raising millions, it was about doing the small bit I can do and finishing the run.
“I’m grateful and overwhelmed with everyone’s support
“I think it says a lot about who Mick was as a person.”
Ms Lourey said the 27-kilometre run, which saw her traversing Terang and Noorat over several hours, gave the family an opportunity to unite in the face of tragedy.
“We started off at about 5.30am with family, including uncle Mick’s two daughters and his son in law, who ran the whole distance with me,” she said.
“We all felt really good until around 20 kilometres in, that’s when I felt the pinch.
“But I pushed through and to see my family all waiting for me at the finish line was the pinnacle of it all.”
To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://fundraise.petermac.org.au/lilys27onthe27thfor27years.