While the star of the evening was world champion axeman David Foster and his axe, which went up for auction, haematologist Dr Doug Lenton, who works as part of the trials, and Graeme McLean from the Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak, spoke emotively of the impact of the Orange-based trials.

The Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak hosted the dinner, with club member Joanne McRae taking a special interest in the evening, which raised funds through ticket sales, sponsorship, an auction and donations.

“My mum [Kathy] has been receiving treatment through the Orange hospital and I am passionate about people being able to access these excellent services,” she said.

“We had a wonderful response to the evening,  far beyond our expectations.

“People have been incredibly generous.”

Cancer Care Western NSW led the establishment of the cancer trials , which started late last year, and yesterday chair of the organisation John Carpenter said the public was embracing the expansion of the trials by offering financial support.

“Everyone on the night was so enthusiastic about the wonderful work at the hospital,” he said.

“Initially people didn’t know a great deal about the trials, but now  they are realising they have been going on at the big Sydney hospitals for years.

“What we can show now is that we can provide that same level of opportunity for cancer patients to go on trials as exist in Sydney.

“The message is really getting out there now.”

Cancer Care Western NSW has also funded two positions for clinicians on the trials.

Mr Foster achieved fame by being the first person to win 1000 wood chopping championships and is a strong advocate for men’s health.

He has an Order of Australia Medal, is the recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow and the Melvin Jones Award from Lions International.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au