What a night
Our inaugural Light of Hope event was moving, uplifting, and filled with a profound sense of connection. From the first song to the final moment of sunset, the evening held space for grief, reflection, love, and above all—hope.
We were ably led by our MC Megan Martin, who brought compassion and strength to the evening. Megan lost her sister Lou to pancreatic cancer just nine weeks after diagnosis.
The Royal Melbourne Scrub Choir opened the night beautifully with two sentimental favourites—Memories (Maroon 5) and Fix You (Coldplay)—setting a reflective and heartfelt tone.
We heard from Dare to Hope CEO, Cherie Dear, who spoke with honesty and courage about living with the loss of both Paul and her father Don—and how, inspired by Paul’s grace, she chooses every day to move forward with hope and determination to change outcomes for a cancer that has taken far too many lives.
Kelly Pollock shared the heartbreak of losing her sister Kathy to pancreatic cancer just 11 weeks after diagnosis—and the stark contrast she experienced when later facing her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her story highlighted the unacceptable disparities in outcomes and why the work of Dare to Hope matters so deeply.
Our Paul Dear Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Michael Lee, offered a powerful reminder from the perspective of a treating oncologist: that even in the hardest moments-there is beauty, humanity, and connection to be found.
After a Prayer of Reflection, Georgie Russell, accompanied by Jack Say on guitar, delivered a truly breathtaking performance of k.d. lang’s Hallelujah, a moment that held the crowd in stillness.
Throughout the evening, we stood in solidarity with those currently living with pancreatic cancer. We also acknowledged the extraordinary people who stand beside them—medical teams, carers, families, and the researchers who dedicate their lives to innovating and improving outcomes.
Later in the evening, the Scrub Choir returned to uplift us all with A Sky Full of Stars and Put a Little Love in Your Heart, adding warmth, joy, and a sense of lightness as the crowd swayed, smiled, and held candles and phones aloft, joining fully in the spirit of the moment.
There were tears, moments of reflection, and quiet sadness. But there was also music, community, the soft crash of waves, and a glorious setting sun that felt like a gentle reminder that life can still have beautiful moments. The comfort of being together made the night truly poignant.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, performed, spoke, held a candle, or simply stood with all of us in solidarity.
Hope shines brightest when we share it.
Supplier Thank You's
How can we adequately acknowledge the generosity of Royal Melbourne Scrub Choir and Georgie Russell & Jack Say for donating their time and beautiful musical talents to move us and uplift us? You demonstrated the power of music to take us on an emotional journey and move us in ways that words alone cannot. Truly magical - thank you all so much.
Special thanks to our major sponsor Community Bank Parkdale - Bendigo Bank who supported our event. This ensured that our costs were covered so we didn't have to make this a fundraising event, but allowing us to adhere to our philosophy of ensuring donated funds go where we say - to fund medical research.
Our excellent sound (despite the challenges of a windy night on the beach) was facilitated by Pro Light & Sound who donated their equipment ensuring the beautiful sounds of Scrub Choir & Georgie could be heard by all.
Thank you to Everything Glows for helping us glow with our donated candles and to Selby's who printed our signage ensuring you could find us on the beach.
Thank you to our printer M Print Colour Printers who generously takes care of our print needs - this time printing our posters to help us spread the word.
The heart of our event was captured beautifully in the professiononal photos taken by Julieanne Perara Photography - massive thank you Jules.
We are very grateful too for the support and co-operation of Mentone Lifesaving Club who welcomed our attendees for meals and drinks and helped make the event run smoothly. A fabulous community partner for this event.
Committee & Volunteer Thank You's
Special thanks to our wonderful volunteer Committee members who planned our Light of Hope event and brought their care, sensitivity and excellent planning skills.
Every event needs volunteers to set up, pack up and sell merchandise and everything in between. Thank you so much to our "just say yes" volunteers who help make everything run smoothly.
Light of Hope 2025 Gallery
Light of Hope 2025 – Mentone Life Saving Club
Join us on World Pancreatic Cancer Day - Thursday, 20 November 2025, as we gather by the bay for Light of Hope, Dare to Hope’s signature community event honouring those affected by pancreatic cancer.
As landmarks around the world light up purple to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, we invite you to come together with others who care about the impact of pancreatic cancer.
Held on the grassy area beside beautiful Mentone Life Saving Club, this evening of reflection, connection, and hope brings together families, friends, and supporters in solidarity as we shine a light at sunset for those we love and those we’ve lost.
The event will include:- Guest Speakers Dr Michael Lee, oncologist and researcher at Peter Mac, Cherie Dear CEO Dare to Hope and others,
- Live Music to lift the spirits — including a very special performance by the Royal Melbourne Hospital Scrub Choir, whose uplifting harmonies have captured hearts across Australia, and local singer-songwriter Georgie Russell, whose soulful voice will help set a tone of warmth and togetherness.
Please RSVP for catering purposes to assist the Club with numbers.
Together, as landmarks around the world light up purple, we’ll light the shoreline in purple — a symbol of courage, compassion, and hope — as we continue our mission to transform outcomes for people facing pancreatic cancer.
Free community event – all welcome - Wear a touch (or more) of purple
Everything you need to know for the event
Event Time & Location:
Formalities will run from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm at the Mentone Life Saving Club.
Where to Meet:
We will gather on the grass area on the beach side of the club. Look for the Dare to Hope and Light of Hope flags—they’ll be hard to miss! You can reach the meeting area via the ramp to the right of the club or the stairs to the left.
What to Wear:
As we will be outdoors and right by the beach, please dress warmly. Wear a touch of purple. Bring your Dare to Hope scarf and/or beanie, and rug up to stay comfortable. We will have these for sale on the night.
Candles & Merchandise:
Dare to Hope candles will be available for $5, and additional merchandise will also be on display to purchase. Purchases can be made via smartphone/eftpos or cash.
Parking:
Paid meter parking is available in the lot directly in front of the club. You may also find street parking along Beach Road and nearby side streets. Please take note of all parking signs and restrictions.
RSVP:
If you haven’t already, please RSVP using the link below to help us plan for numbers:
https://www.daretohope.com.au/dare-to-hope-events
Dinner Before the Vigil:
If you plan to have dinner at the Life Saving Clubfrom 5:30 pm onwards, let us know when you RSVP. Look for a splash of purple on certain tables—feel free to join others there if you wish.
Bring Others:
Friends and family are warmly welcomed, even if they decide to join after you’ve submitted your RSVP.
Every gesture—big or small—helps light the world in purple and brings us closer to a future filled with hope. Thank you for being part of the Dare to Hope / Light of Hope community
Major Sponsor
Thanks to our Supporters
