DESPITE facing one of the worst seasons on record, the Kulin community's generosity and spirit shone brighter than ever at the recent fundraising cricket match where they raised more than $50,000.
Over 300 people turned out for the city versus country event including six teams, one travelling from as far as Esperance to participate in the cricket match and also to dig deep for a good cause.
The day was organised to raise money for 23-year-old Ashleigh Arundel, who was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 seven years ago, an invasive disease where numerous tumours grow throughout the body affecting all major organs and the nervous system.
Ashleigh has been selected to participate in a two-year trial involving experimental medicine imported from America to Sydney and costing over $100,000, an expensive but vital treatment and without it, brain surgery is imminent.
So the Kulin community stepped in, firstly by organising a bank account where many people from both the city and country made anonymous donations, then the cricket day and mega auction held four weeks ago.
Games were played following indoor cricket rules, but in the fun spirit of the day not many rules were followed except the fines system, with the proceeds bolstering the appeal.
One of the highlights was seeing a few 'past cricket legends' fall by the wayside with various injuries and there were quite a few limping by the end of the night.
The winning team was awarded $10,000 prize money donated by the main sponsor of the day, The Shed and this went straight into the account, while the Kulin Shire also donated $1 for every drink sold.
Adding approximately $22,000 to the total was the mega auction, which included items such as a barbecue, outdoor swing, pearls, a Saint Kilda jumper signed by Robert Harvey, a gold nugget and two didgeridoos.
Ashleigh said she was overwhelmed with the support she has received and the spirit of the Kulin community.
"I just want to thank everyone for their amazing support, it is just so incredible and I'm just blown away," Ashleigh said.
"While we really appreciate the financial support, the moral support we have received has been overwhelming and that is just as important to us."
The total money raised at just over $50,000 was a fantastic outcome and will cover half the total cost of Ashleigh's treatment.