The fight to beat blood cancer is underway in Queensland with 320 U.G.L.Y. Bartenders, from Port Douglas in the north to Tweed Heads in the south, competing for the U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year.

The ALH Group in particular has taken this fight to their hearts, with their 122 venues contributing significantly to a state-wide total already standing at $170,000.

U.G.L.Y. Bartender Joanne Harbort from ALH’s Bellbowrie Tavern was in hospital just last year being treated for a rare blood cancer. She says she met many wonderful people battling blood cancer while struggling with being away from home.

“I saw their loved ones showing a positive face when really their hearts were breaking.  The last thing they needed to be worrying about was where they’d be sleeping,” Joanne said. “I saw the Leukaemia Foundation stepping in to provide free accommodation.”

Joanne continued to work when she could at the Bellbowrie Tavern and was touched by the support from her workplace and patrons.

“I suddenly went from being a healthy happy woman to someone facing the challenges of lymphoma. But I got back up and beat it.

“I feel good knowing every $80 I raise provides families with a place to stay when they have to relocate for treatment.”

The Leukaemia Foundation’s U.G.L.Y. Bartenders in Queensland hope to raise $500,000 before the state’s competition closes on 12 September.  All other states kick off from 1 October 2016 – and it’s not too late to register to take part. For more information visit: www.uglybartender.org.au.

Image: Joanne Harbort from Bellbowrie Tavern, QLD