When the opportunity arose three months ago to help the community, I jumped.
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I wasn't expecting to have to jump up a pole.
During my two years as a journalist, I have written many stories on tragedy and resilience; how a community can unite to help others.
I have reported on amazing fundraising efforts and helped people through difficult times by sharing their personal stories - my favourite part of the job.
One story was about Joshua Oakhill - a very sick five-year-old on a mission to complete his bucket list.
I felt privileged as his nan, Julie Wells, let me in on her emotions about her dying grandson. She wanted to create awareness of childhood cancer and it was my toughest interview.
Brave Joshie had a rare soft tissue cancer - rhabdomyosarcoma.
For months I followed him around Merimbula and Eden, documenting opportunities the community had organised for him, such as going to school for the first time and riding in a fire truck.
His health quickly deteriorated and he became too sick to even smile at his own early-Christmas party, which had everything a five-year-old would want - a limousine, batman, lollies, friends, music and more.
Joshie died the next day surrounded by his loved ones.
I saw the effect it had on his town; I heard and saw the heartfelt messages. I felt so sad for his mother, Hannah White, who had lost her only son.
When the Cancer Council needed dancers for the 2019 Stars of the Eurobodalla quest, it was easy to say a big "yes".
All money raised will remain in the shire to help families such as Joshie's. I will do my bit to help those affected by cancer. I am trying to raise $3000 before the event on Saturday, August 10.
Back to pole dancing, now a competitive dance and sport around the world. The quest offered me a choice of jazz or pole dancing. I naively signed up for the latter, thinking "how hard could it be?".
However, compared to playing Aussie Rules and rowing surf boats, pole dancing is brutal.
My instructor Charmaine Brereton is a pocket-rocket with bright purple hair. She flicks herself easily around the pole like a pixie.
I have never had so many bruises or voluntarily put myself through so much pain.
My hands slip with sweat, my inner thighs are bruised and sore. My triceps constantly caught in a vice grip and my elbows may just snap with my next handshake. I discovered you need a high tolerance of pain for skin-gripping metal, you truly bare it all.
Your body is on the line. If you grip the pole the wrong way or don't commit your strength to a move - you can end up in all sorts of unflattering states.
Now, I have to perform before 300 people!
What was I thinking? Just a few days out from my public debut I am fretting, but I know it is for a good cause. I can only do my best. Whether I face-plant or knock my teeth out, there are people who are having it much worse.
Fundraising Trivia Night
It's loud, feisty and fun!
Everyone is invited to the Moruya Bowling Club for an epic night of trivia on Thursday, August 8.
Support Claudia Ferguson who is performing in Eurobodalla Stars Dance for Cancer. Raffle prizes from 6pm, trivia from 6.45-8pm. All money raised on the night will go to Cancer Council NSW.
