A week out from the Cup Day, Christchurch's harness racing industry has gathered at Addington Raceway to raise funds for local driver Katie Cox who's recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer.
Prior to today's fundraising luncheon, more than $130,000 had been raised, to go towards lifesaving treatment for the 33-year-old – which isn't publicly funded.
"It's been incredible. People in the industry, out of the industry – even the thoroughbred code's jumped in," she said.
"There are actually too many people to thank I'm just so, so grateful for it."
More than 20 items were donated for auction today – from sporting memorabilia to horse feed, weekends away and even airfares to take a horse trans-Tasman.
"When one of your own's in trouble, so often in our sport – and sport right across New Zealand – their people get behind them and that's certainly been the case with Katie's cause," said event organiser Greg O'Conner.
"A lot of people here today have had success on the racetrack and a little bit of luck and they want to give some of that luck to her."
More than 20 items have been donated for an auction, with proceeds going towards Katie Cox’s lifesaving treatment. (Source: 1News)
Cox's diagnosis came as a shock. She had visited the doctor for a chesty winter cough – her only symptom.
"I just never thought I'd be a candidate for it, you know – my age, I've worked outside all my life, fit and healthy, don't drink much, never smoked, never vaped," she said.
"It's quite serious but luckily there are treatments and ways to manage it," she said.
But that comes at a cost. The best option to target her specific cancer is through the private sector, therefore un-funded. The course of her current drug alone is well over $100,000. The next best option is roughly $200,000 for three months.
"I've been on medication for about 13 days now and it seems to be making quite a difference already," she said.
"Coughing less and the chest is feeling a bit clearer so hopefully that's a good sign."
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