Her beloved dad, Rod Thomas, lost his battle with the disease early in 2016.

Jensen’s Tallangatta-born dad grew up in Wodonga and loved the region.

The experienced grader operator was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, mantle cell lymphoma, during 2014.

He often went to Melbourne for treatment for weeks on end, but wished there had been options closer to home. 

Mr Thomas watched the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre take shape and spoke to his daughter about how vital this service was for regional people battling the disease.

Sadly, Mr Thomas died in April 2016; Jensen was by his side.

Jensen became an ambassador for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, knowing how much the centre would have meant to her dad.

“I wanted to ensure other families affected by cancer could access services and support for years to come,” she said.

Jensen will be the headline act in the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre fundraiser at the Kinross Woolshed at Thurgoona on September 17.

She first captivated audiences on Australian Idol 2004 before she blew them away – and judge Joel Madden off his chair – on The Voice 2014. After some confusion about which judge had selected Jensen, she chose to work with pop diva Kylie Minogue on the show.

Jensen’s haunting ballads and emotive powerhouse vocals have made her a force to be reckoned with in the Australian music industry.

Her latest recording Past Tense and Present Peace – inspired by losing her dad – reached No. 1 on the iTunes Country Album Charts earlier this year.

Jensen will grace the stage at the Sunshine Week Family Fun Day at Thurgoona from 3pm to 7pm.

Children’s activities will include jumping castles, pony rides, balloon sculpting, face painting and an animal farm.

Other performers include Steve Bowen, Groove Addiction and children’s entertainer Captain Pete.

All proceeds go to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.

Tickets at the gate cost $10 or $30 for a family of up to five. 

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