Erica was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2018, had surgery and is now undergoing rehabilitation, radiation and chemotherapy. 

Nearly 800 people attended the Rally for Ric fundraiser for Erica and her family on Saturday, January 12 at the Laurieton United Services Club. 

Read more: Community rallies behind the Walker family

Event organiser and Erica’s friend, Emma Dykes said the community raised about $43,000 on the day.

Erica thanked everyone who created, performed, helped or attended the Rally for Ric event.

“To say it was humbling and overwhelming is a massive understatement and thank you does not seem enough,” she said. 

“I cannot say how appreciative I am and how wonderful it was to see such a great loving community and village come together and support me and my family.

Erica made mention of a ‘lovely gesture’ by Mick Lee, who bought a quilt during the auction and gave it to her. 

The quilt had been made by some of Erica’s patients. 

“Your love, support and generosity has made my journey so far a lot easier,” Erica said. 

Simon Ross won first place in the Rally for Ric raffle, and he donated the $1000 (from Mick Lee, Tidy Earthworks and Excavations) back to the Walker family. 

Olivia Tierney came second in the raffle and she won a $500 fishing pack, donated by Elizabeth and Peter Vesluis. Glenda Lyndon won third prize, which was a $200 beauty package donated by Jess Johnson. 

In the three weeks before Christmas, community members worked hard on the Walker family home to build a new ensuite and walk-in wardrobe.

Erica’s husband Mick Walker addressed the crowd at the Rally for Ric event. 

“We can’t thank you enough,” he said. 

Mick said they have been worried about what the future holds for their children, however they are reassured that they are in good hands with the village’s support. 

If people are willing to donate you can deposit into Holiday Coast Credit Union account ‘Rally for Ric’. BSB is 721 000 and the account number is 100200957

Or for tax deductible donations visit https://donations.rawcs.com.au/Default.aspx?ProjectID=1229&ReturnTo=4​

For more information visit https://rallyforricwalker.wixsite.com/mysite or the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RallyforRic/