Ms Watts told The Border Mail the Kelsey Watts Memorial research grant would be awarded at a luncheon on February 6.

“I wanted something for Kelsey at this new hospital,” she said. 

“When Kelsey was really sick, just before she died, I said to her, ‘Why are you letting them take all your fluids and blood? You can’t be bothered with that, you’re too sick.

“She said ‘No, mum, I want to do this because it might help somebody else – I think she would be pleased.” The latest cancer research will be presented at the event by Professor David Bowtell, head of the cancer genomics and genetics program at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Ms Watts said it would be the first time such an internationally-renowned researcher had come to the Border to speak. 

“People of this calibre usually command $150 a ticket, but we want to keep tickets down to $65 to allow more people to be able to come along and hear the latest research and treatment,” she said.

“People are excited about the fact we’re on the brink of a breakthrough.

“The Garvan Institute say they are about five years away from a blood test.”

Dr Robyn Sayer, a gynaecologic cancer surgeon, will also speak at the event and said she was excited to see what direction research would take at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre. 

“Basically the only option for gynaecologic cancer surgery and treatment is in Melbourne, so it’s filling a huge niche right there,” she said. 

Prizes and a VIP tour of the cancer centre will be given away at the event.

Tickets for the event, held from noon at the Commercial Club, at www.wodongachamber.com/events.