Thousands of people converged on South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt last night for the Leukaemia Foundation’s annual Light the Night Walk.

Patients, friends and supporters carried lanterns to raise awareness about blood cancer and to raise money to support the foundation.

Patrick Wright reports.

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Many arrived early to pick up their coloured lanterns white for patients and survivors, gold for those remembering lost loved ones, and blue for supporters.

More than 1,000 people turned up at South Bank for the Brisbane event.

Susie Hunter, Leukaemia Foundation: “It’s an event we’re holding all across Queensland. There’s 12 locations that are holding events tonight, all holding a walk. It’s a very special evening for us.”

Emmett Burton has just turned six.

He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia 10 months ago.

Kendell Burton, Emmett’s Mother: “I think I can safely say that the funds raised in the last 30 years have saved my son.”

Vox 1: “My wife organised for us to come down. My mother died of leukaemia.”

Vox 2: “We’re here in rememberance of our granddaughter. She died in April from acute myeloid leukaemia.”

Vox 3: “I really hope it gets cured, because it’s just the worst disease you can ever get.”

The lanterns were lit at sunset.

Then participants began a slow procession through the South Bank precinct and across the Goodwill Bridge.

Five Queenslanders are diagnosed with leukaemia and other blood cancers every day.

The Leukaemia Foundation expect to raise $100,000 tonight, the money will be used to raise awareness, and much needed funds for blood cancer research.

Children are very often the victims of blood cancers . Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer.

Patrick Wright, QUT News.