Lavender symbolises healing, cleansing and longevity. It’s the perfect symbol for the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland because it exactly reflects its “Mission to Care and Vision to Cure”.

This year a very special ‘Royal Lavender Dinner’ will be held at O’Shea’s Royal Hotel on July 11 during the Foundations’ annual Lavender Week.

This evening promises to tantalise the senses. There will be wines to compliment each course, music from John Mathison, a sports memorabilia auction, lucky door prizes and a “Sir” and “Lady” Lavender will be chosen.

Tickets are $100per person and bookings are essential. Contact: Kate 07 4671 1877 or Phoebe 07 4632 0127 for bookings or more information.

Since almost everyone loves the beautiful perfume of lavender, it’s the ideal flower to help raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Lavender Week for Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma is held from July 7 to 13 every year. The Foundation hopes to raise $200,000 to help continue to support patients and their families.

The Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Peter Johnstone, said the week provides the public with an opportunity to assist those affected by these diseases.

Many people don’t realise the complete upheaval a diagnosis often means for a patient and family members. Regional families must frequently relocate to Brisbane or Townsville - often within 24 hours of diagnosis, in order to immediately start potentially lifesaving treatment, Mr Johnstone said.

The Leukaemia Foundation provides more than 30, 000 nights of accommodation, completely free of charge. Volunteers and local businesses around Queensland will be selling lavender merchandise throughout the week including teddy bears, lapel pins, lip balm, pot pourri and soaps.