The two member team who hosted the event to raise money for the Cancer Council for the past 23 years has sadly been reduced to one.

Jan Newman, 79, lost her battle with cancer on Monday night.

Deanna Marriott put the call to Griffith residents to come down to this year’s event following the death. The event will be held at The Bagtown Inn on Friday, May 13 from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

“We were a team,” Mrs Marriott said.

“It will be a special one - in memory of Jan and all the things she has done for our community, but it’s also for all of those people who have lost loved ones and those who are currently on a cancer journey, because cancer is something that affects everyone,” she said. 

“Jan was diagnosed with cervical cancer 40 years ago and breast cancer 25 years ago, she had fluid on her heart and in her lungs but she was still fighting,” Mrs Marriott said. 

“No just wasn't in her vocabulary.”

The duo, who spoke on the phone almost every day, have previously raised thousands of dollars at their morning tea, once raising the largest amount in Australia.

Mrs Newman is remembered as a vivacious and selfless community member loved by all. 

“She was larger than life, everyone knew her and everyone loved her,” Mrs Marriott said. 

“She was in everything, she started the breast cancer support group, she was a founding member of what is now Can Assist, she was in Country Hope on the Cancer Council, just about everything. 

“She did so much work in the community and she just lived her live to the absolute fullest. 

“She was so popular, and she loved going out – even if she wasn’t well if someone rang her and said ‘do you want to go to lunch?’ she was out the door.” Mrs Newman’s funeral will be held at 1pm on Thursday at St Alban’s church. Those who wish to farewell her are encouraged to wear something pink. Mrs Marriott is still seeking donations of sandwich fillings and slices, anyone who wishes to help out can contact her on 6962 4680 or 0427 044 680.