Brian Hardaker stays at The Lorikeet

We were proud to have Brian Hardaker stay here with us at The Lorikeet Holiday Park on his travel around Australia to raise awareness about the blood cancer that more than 1400 Australians are diagnosed with each year - equivalent to four people every day. Brian has been living with Multiple Myeloma since 2006.

Mr Hardaker, who is in his 70s, was accompanied by his wife Chris and crew on their Australia-wide adventure, which included a visit to Coffs Harbour. Riding a three-wheeled motorbike, the pair began their journey in Western Australia at the beginning of April and plan to make it back by the start of July.

At each stop, Mr Hardaker is keen to share his experiences with others who are currently undergoing or about to begin treatment for Multiple Myeloma and similar diseases, and to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation in the process.

"The Leukaemia Foundation always quickly responded to our numerous needs during my treatment and this is our way of repaying a little of our debt of gratitude to all those people," Mr Hardaker said.

"I want to show there is an active life after a stem cell transplant, provided you set yourself goals with the help of your medical specialists."
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a cancer of plasma cells that arises in the bone marrow. Eighty per cent of people diagnosed with this blood cancer are over the age of 60 and it is relatively uncommon in people under 40.

The cause of myeloma remains unknown but there are certain factors that may put some people at a higher risk. Factors include exposure to high doses of radiation and ongoing exposure to certain industrial or environmental chemicals.

There is currently no cure for myeloma but treatment is offered to control the growth of the disease. This is often a combination of steroid therapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplants. Myeloma had the second highest increase in cancer incidence in the 10 years between 1993 and 2003 and the highest of all blood cancers.

The Leukaemia Foundation offers support services to patients and their families affected by myeloma, including accommodation, transport, information, education, as well as emotional support.

We would like to thank Brian, his wife Chris and crew for staying at The Lorikeet and wish them all the best on their travels. We hope to see them both again soon.