Bid for Aletia Hudson

Aletia Hudson, just 33, is fighting breast cancer, diagnosed three months ago. She has had a mastectomy and started a regular chemo course, but because of the type of cancer she also needs two drugs - Taxotere and Hercepton - to greatly improve her chances of recovery.

However, those drugs are not funded by the public health system and Hudson has to raise $100,000-plus to pay for them.

Hudson is a film clapper loader/assistant who worked on Narnia last year. Friends and well-wishers from the art scene and the film industry who have donated works for the auction include Bill Hammond, Stanley Palmer, Nick Dryden, Gary Nash, Ewan McDougall, Yen Comer-Hudson, Warwick Freeman, James Robinson and Matt Palmer.

The fundraiser also includes movie memorabilia - a Lord of the Rings "Gandalf the White with Shadowfax" statue and a King Kong bust, both signed by Richard Taylor and Peter Jackson; a Narnia poster signed by director Andrew Adamson; a Narnia limited edition leatherbound album of graphics/art sketches and stills; a Shrek children's book signed by Adamson; signed King Kong posters and a signed Motorhead T-shirt.

Last week Hudson was quoted in a wider Herald story about high-cost cancer drugs. She said, "It is highly stressful. I'm so concerned about money. I feel really unsupported by the Government."

Online viewing is available.

* Aletia Hudson auction, Alleluya Cafe, St Kevin's Arcade, viewing from 6pm, bidding 7pm, tonight.