Ingrid Newman and Prong Trimble showing off their bikes, with Cooktown Kindergarten director Nardia Whitman, ahead of this Saturday’s automotive show fundraiser.
THE mother of brain tumour patient Ingrid Newman says it has been “unreal” to see the support and excitement building for this Saturday’s fundraiser auto show at the Lions Den Hotel.
Belle Newman said it had been so heartwarming for her and her family to see the whole Far North community rally behind them as the four-year-old’s two-year battle with cancer continues.
“It’s been unreal and heartwarming to know there are still such caring people around us,” she said.
“It’s one of the things we love about living in a small community.”
Ms Newman, husband Jaxon and children Ingrid, Hector, Ragnar and Silas, have been deeply impacted by Ingrid’s 2020 diagnosis and ongoing treatment, with financial stress now a constant in their lives.
Ingrid after surgery to remove part of her brain tumour.
But the community’s support had been incredible, Ms Newman said, and went a long way to taking some pressure off their finances.
“Last week Compound Automotive serviced my car for a donation, which was so generous of them as services are a lot of time and labour,” she said.
“I was hugely grateful as my car was in need of a service which kept getting pushed back because we needed to keep money for other things for Ingrid.”
Local man Prong Trimble heard about the family’s plight, and with a love of vintage motorbikes and cars and a history of organising auto shows, immediately knew how he could help.
The inaugural Lions Den Automotive Show was the result, with motorbikes, cars and trucks from across the Far North already registered for the event, and more expected this week.
The show, to be held this Saturday at the Lions Den Hotel south of Cooktown, kicks off at 1pm, and also includes live music, trade displays, an auction and car boot sale.
Entry for vehicles is free, and entry for spectators is $5, with trades and stallholders welcome to apply for a space.
Ms Newman said Ingrid was getting excited for the event, with dozens of vehicles and more than 1000 people expected through the doors.
“She is excited, she loves trucks, cars and bikes,” her mum said.
“I didn’t expect a response like this at all, you’d never get this in the city.”
For more information, contact Ms Newman on 0497 345 790 or Mr Trimble on 0457 098 582.
