THE Faulkners of Terang intend to end their year on a high after winning a prize to host a mega marquee party at the Mortlake Cup.
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Amanda Faulkner was named winner of the Mortlake Racing Club celebration marquee for up to 100 people after submitting a heartfelt entry for the November 1 race meeting.
President Jason Hughes said the contest drew plenty of quality entries, but Mrs Faulkner’s submission struck a chord with the entire judging panel.
“My reason for celebrating with my family and friends isn’t that it’s my birthday, or almost Christmas or a milestone occasion,” Mrs Faulkner wrote.
“I wish to celebrate instead, the very fact that I am alive and to thank the man responsible for saving my life — my husband Jason.
“In April this year, I suffered a cardiac arrest in our home and it was the actions of my husband that saved my life. Jason called 000 and performed CPR until the paramedics arrived.
“I was flown to The Alfred in an induced coma and when I came out two days later he had the awful job of telling me that whilst I was in a coma my father had passed away, losing his battle to cancer.
“After what can only be described as ‘the week from hell’, I still haven’t found a way to say thank you for all that he has done,” Mrs Faulkner told the judges.
“Having a day surrounded by people you love enjoying a day at the races and relaxing would go a long way to show how grateful I am for all that he has done. Not to mention give him a day that could be all about him, his friends and a reminder that life is to be celebrated. What better way than a huge party in his honour.
“He isn’t one to want or expect praise or limelight, so a surprise like this would absolutely floor him. I’d love to give him this fantastic opportunity to be the centre of attention even if it means I’m in the bad books for doing so.”
Mrs Faulkner’s prize includes a mega marquee, a gourmet barbecue luncheon and bus travel to and from the event.
“It was a really nice surprise,” she said yesterday.
Mrs Faulkner said the couple enjoyed going to the races and was looking forward to celebrating at Mortlake with a group of family and friends.
Mr Hughes said the Mortlake Cup had grown from strength to strength in the past two to three years and the committee was looking forward to another successful day.
“We’ve put in a clear structure of how we want to do things and improve it and it’s paying dividends at the moment.
“The town is right behind it and they’ve embraced it because it’s their cup.”