AKTA-VITE Campfires Against Cancer raised $11,500 for cancer research at the Tamworth Special Store Cattle Sale today.

One hundred cattle yielded $30,000 of which 50 head donated by north-west landholders sold for $11,000. The $5000 profit made on a nucleus will be used to buy cattle at Bathurst for further fundraising.

Tamworth Saleyard Selling Agents Association Inc president Simon Burke presented Campfires rider Dan Phegan with a donation of $500 and the association provided additional assistance by waiving conventional selling commissions.

Mr Burke acknowledged that many of the association’s members and buyers at the sale would have been touched by cancer and encouraged buyers to support the fundraising cause.

On their 10-month, 4600 kilometre trek from Darwin to Corryong Dan Phegan, Ian James, Yola Cox and Colin Mitchell aim to raise $500,000 for cancer research.

After six months and 3500 kilometres travelled they raised $220,000 and today’s sale took that total to about $231,500.

North-west regional Cancer Council public relations coordinator Megan Dixon thanked Akta-Vite Campfires Against Cancer and Tamworth Saleyard Selling Agents Association Inc for supporting cancer research.

“Last year The Cancer Council devoted $5.1 million to research into the diagnosis and prevention of cancer, best treatment options, and support for cancer patients,” Ms Dixon said.

“We can only do this with the continued support of the people of NSW whose generosity will improve the lives of one in three Australians affected by cancer.”