For 22 years Frank Furriga and his wife have Kay have been visiting Bowen during the winter months to escape the cold in their hometown of Latrobe Valley, Victoria.
While visiting he has been receiving life-saving treatment at Bowen Hospital oncology unit.
Mr Furriga has given his thanks to the unit for looking after him by handing over a cheque for $1,606.
The money was raised at a bowls day in Bowen on 4 August where 64 locals and visitors took part and multiple raffles were handed out filled with goods donated from the Bowen community.
Mr Furriga is no stranger to bowls playing regularly in Bowen and he even represented Malta in the 2005 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Director of Nursing Julie Minogue said the donation would be used to bring some joy to patients who regularly visit the oncology unit for their care.
“We are really thankful for the donation from Mr Furriga and for the work both he and his wife have done to organise the fundraising event in the community,” she said.
“The money will be used to paint a mural on the wall in the oncology unit, which will provide a great distraction to patients while receiving their treatment.
“We value the support of our community to help provide the extras that make a visit to hospital more pleasant and enjoyable, so I thank everyone who has supported this fundraiser.”
