FORMER Stawell resident Belinda Scott is even more determined to win her battle with cancer after a family fun day in her honour.
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About 500 people attended Stawell Racecourse on Sunday, raising more than $16,000 for Mrs Scott, her husband Ben and sons Harvey, 7, and Archie, 4.
Mrs Scott said she was overwhelmed by the love and support she has received since being diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer in May.
"It was a very emotional day and just to know that I have a whole community behind me gives me strength and determination to fight this a lot harder," she said.
"I would love to thank everyone for going out of their way to be there and making it a day we will always remember."
The family fun day featured live music, a sausage sizzle, market stalls and children's entertainment.
Mrs Scott, who now lives in Ballarat, thanked the businesses that supported the day and the committee members who made it possible.
She paid particular tribute to close friend Bree Pickering, who had her head shaved on the day.
"Bree is a true angel from above, her love and commitment is just amazing," she said.
"She looks absolutely gorgeous with her new hairstyle, it really suits her beautiful face."
Mrs Pickering started her My Shave for Binny Facebook page in May, raising more than $27,000 money through donations and auction items.
Mrs Pickering said she did not think twice about supporting her friend.
"It was never about the shave. It was all about Belinda," she said.
"It's just hair - it will grow back. Shaving my head was the least I could do."
Mrs Pickering said the committee could not have asked for a better day.
"The weather was perfect, so many people came and there were kids everywhere," she said.
"You don't really know how much support you have until you go through something like this.
"After receiving some bad news a couple of weeks ago Belinda was pretty flat, but this has really put that spark back in her."
Mrs Scott said the Stawell community should be proud of itself.
"The Scott family thanks everyone from the bottom of our hearts," she said.
"Words can't describe how we're feeling. We're emotional with all the love and support."
Mrs Pickering said people could visit http://www.belindasappeal.com/ to make a tax deductible donation.
