Sports Memorabilia Goes Under The Hammer

28 March 2003

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPORTS MEMORABILIA GOES UNDER THE HAMMER FOR CAMERON DUNCAN

Softball New Zealand is organising a charity auction on Wednesday April 2, to help raise money to fund medical treatment for Cameron Duncan, the former New Zealand junior softball representative who is battling cancer. The auction is being supported by a range of New Zealand sports teams and organisations and well-known broadcaster Philip Leishman will be Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

The 16-year-old Avondale College prefect can also add film maker to his long list of achievements, winning the Viewers Choice for Best Film at Wanganui's Rivercity Film Festival last year, and being commissioned by television's Fair Go to produce a spoof for their 15th anniversary.

Cameron's New Zealand oncologist has given him a matter of months to live, but he is determined to keep fighting and is currently receiving treatment in Tijuana, Mexico.

Local Auckland real estate agent Craig Nunnerley knows what Cameron's going through, as he had a similar diagnosis ten years ago. After being told there was nothing else that could be done by both doctors in New Zealand and America, Mr Nunnerley underwent treatment at the same medical facility as Cameron, and hasn't looked back since.

"I've met Cameron, and he's got as good a chance as anyone to survive this, especially with his positive attitude, and the amazing support of his family," says Mr Nunnerley.

Celebrities from a variety of sporting codes have donated a wide range of paraphernalia to auction, including items from rugby's Super 12 and the All Blacks, speedway's Ivan Major, the All Whites, the Black Caps, the Black Sox and the White Sox are all up for grabs. Other New Zealand celebrities, such as the Lord of the Ring's producer Peter Jackson and Weta Workshop's Richard Taylor, have also donated items.

The auction is open to the public starting at 6.30pm. Door sales are $20, with all funds going towards Cameron's treatment.

Initiated by Hadyn Smith, chief executive of Softball New Zealand, the auction has received widespread support from a number of New Zealand sportspeople, celebrities and media.

"Cameron is an inspirational young person and has an amazing attitude to life. We want to provide as much support for him and his family as possible during this difficult time, as he seeks medical treatment overseas," says Mr Smith.

"New Zealanders are renowned for their generosity and goodwill, and in the case of such an outstanding young man, I know they will do everything in their power to help Cameron and his family through this terrible ordeal."

The details of the auction are:

Date: Wednesday 2 April

Place: Sky City (Hauraki Ballroom)

Time: 6:30pm to 9pm

Entrance: $20 tickets at the door

Auction by: Chris Devereaux of Webbs

Event supported by: Sky City, NBPR, P10, Lion Breweries and Teamsports, among others

MC: Phillip Leishman

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