Linda Billington is a name you may not know, but her courage, and inspiring attitude, is a pillar of hope for the wider Gosnells community.
As she battles stage four metastatic breast cancer, Linda has turned her personal struggle into a force for good, raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation through her Rockin’ the Pink women’s group.
Since her diagnosis, the mother and grandmother has dedicated her life to supporting breast cancer research, with nearly $15,000 raised through her various initiatives, including a popular High Tea.
Linda said the reason she does all this is that she hopes to inspire others to join the fight against the disease.
“I really don’t want any family to go through what my family and friends have been through in the last four years,” Ms Billington said.
“It’s a horrible, horrible disease, and the sooner we find a cure for this, the better off the world will be.”
Each Wednesday at 10:15 AM, Linda leads her “Dance Like Nobody’s Watching” sessions at the Kenwick Community Centre, providing the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together, enjoy fitness, and support each other in a fun, non-judgmental environment.
“Not only is it to raise funds for breast cancer, but it’s an opportunity to empower women to be the best they can by being involved in the community, looking after their health,” Ms Billington said.
“We supply the music and the motivation and the hall, of course. And ladies come and just have a ball, then we have a cup of tea afterwards and a chat, which is always the highlight.”
According to the Cancer Council, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in Western Australia, with over 1,450 women sadly receiving a diagnosis each year.
In Australia, 58 people are diagnosed with breast cancer daily, amounting to approximately 21,000 cases each year.
However, detecting breast cancer early can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. When treated early, the cancer is less likely to return for most women.
It’s through the collective efforts of individuals like Linda Billington that we can make a significant impact, with every cent bringing the world closer to advanced treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Also part of the Rockin’ the Pink group and a close friend of Linda’s, Michele Ridley said Linda’s extraordinary spirit is apparent to everyone who meets her.
“She’s just such a beautiful person inside and out. She sees the good in everything; if you want to go with her, she’ll take you with her; she just captures the hearts of a lot of people,” Ms Ridley said.
“She’s such a positive person and so inspirational; she doesn’t want her diagnosis to define her.”
Ms Ridley believes the world would be a better place if more people were like Linda.
“If you had only just met Linda today, you would never know what she’s going through; she’s always smiling,” she said.
“Linda is just such a beautiful person inside and out. She sees the good in everything.”
Rockin’ the Pink is hosting another High Tea event this year at the Gosnells Golf Club on Sunday afternoon, October 20.
Tickets are now on sale through Eventbrite, and Linda is hopeful it will be another successful fundraiser, raising even more to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
“There’ll be raffles, auctions, games, and we’ve got guest speakers lined up. And the Golf Club will be providing afternoon the High Tea.”
BreastScreen WA offers free screening mammograms to women aged 40 and over every two years.
The nearest centre is just a short drive away on Albany Highway in Beckenham.
Book your appointment now by calling BreastScreen WA at 13 20 50 or online at bswa.fluentbooking.online .
This article is dedicated to the memory of Lisa Groetzinger and all those affected by breast cancer.
