'Priceless' art lifts mourning family (photos/videos)

CHARITY AUCTION: Artist Jayden Young, 12, (left) with auction winner Toni Cox and his creation 'The Tree of Life'. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

A Rotorua woman's unwavering support of the Child Cancer Foundation has allowed her to bestow a priceless gift to a grieving family.

Toni Cox attends the Professionals McDowell Real Estate Child Cancer Charity Breakfast and Art Auction every year, buying a piece of artwork from one of the children.

"I have bought a painting every year for the last three of four years to show my support. I went through chemo as an adult and I couldn't imagine how hard it must be for these children to go through it," she said.

Image 1 of 9: Amber Roach, 10, left, and Josh Roach, 13, Photo/Ben Fraser

"I bought a painting last year from a little girl called Tara Chapman. About two weeks after [the auction] I found out Tara had died so this year for the family's anniversary I've gifted the painting back to them."

At yesterday's breakfast and auction, Mrs Cox bought a painting called the 'Tree of Life' by 12-year-old Jayden Young, for $400. She said she was humbled by the artwork and the experience.

"The painting will go alongside my other pieces which take pride of place in my office at work."

The annual event, which raises money for the local branch of the Child Cancer Foundation, was attended by more than 300 people and raised a record $30,612.

Among the items up for auction was a signed picture by Prime Minister John Key, signed New Zealand Sevens, Warriors and Chiefs jerseys, a mobility scooter and a Wendy house.

As an additional bit of fun, Professionals McDowell agent Ken Bow took part in a surprise head shaving, having a strip shaved for every $50 somebody donated.

The auction alone raised $21,640, and organiser Carol de Farias said she was pretty emotional when they tallied the grand total.

"This year has far exceeded any previous years and when we found out the total, I did weep a little.

"Life can be tough for some families so it is heart-warming to see the community get together and show their support."

She said the Rotorua community was made up of "huge carers".

"It has been an unbelievable event with people really getting into the spirit of charity."