Olivia's new ambassadors for Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal

Sir Cliff Richard, Leeza Gibbons and Sigrid Thornton have stepped up their commitment to help Olivia Newton-John’s "Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal", accepting Olivia’s invitation to become ambassadors for the Appeal.

Having joined Olivia’s Great Walk to Beijing fundraiser earlier this year, Australian actress Ms Thornton said, "I feel privileged to do whatever I can to support a centre that will further Australia's ground-breaking cancer research, as well as introduce a holistic perspective on cancer treatment."

Sir Cliff Richard, who helped launch Olivia’s international career more than 30 years ago, said, "The more I learn about Olivia’s Cancer and Wellness Centre, the more I realise that it’s going to be something very different and necessary and unbelievably positive for the planet."

Also joining the Appeal Ambassador Program is Australian identity Tottie Goldsmith (Olivia’s niece), Pat Farrar - who used to sing with Olivia as a teenager, and two long-time supporters and friends of Olivia’s - Sue McIntosh and Barbra Ward.

Ms Farrar said that she has know Olivia for most of her life and has always admired her willingness to help others. "Olivia's experience with cancer opened my eyes to the courage and determination needed to survive this terrible disease. When she told me of her plan to help other people through their treatment, I felt extremely proud of her but not surprised. I feel honored to have been asked to be an ambassador."

Ms McIntosh lived and worked in London in the late 1960's where her friendship with Olivia and Pat Farrar was cemented. She said, "I am thrilled and honoured to continue my association with the Cancer and Wellness Centre as an ambassador of the Appeal. The last few years as Patron have been both rewarding and enjoyable and I look forward to helping Olivia & the wonderful people involved continue their work."

Ms Ward said she was extremely proud to help promote the great work Olivia, and everyone involved in this project. "Having been to the Austin Cancer Services ward areas many times and spoken to the dedicated staf, I am amazed at the conditions that they and their patients contend with,'" she said. "The building of the new cancer and wellness centre is not only Olivia's dream and passion, but also that of all of us who have been touched by cancer. We see what a wonderful place the new centre will be and how it will aid so many."

The new ambassadors join Dannii Minogue, who accepted Olivia’s invitation to the Ambassador program in June this year.

The Ambassadors will take part in select fundraising initiatives for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal - for its mission to help change the way cancer is treated and to raise funds for the patient-centred medical and wellness centre.

 About the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal

The appeal is a fundraising campaign to create a specially designed cancer and wellness centre with world-leading research, international clinical trials and medical treatments - to help change the way cancer is treated - and ultimately to find a cure for all types of cancers. A dedicated, tranquil, Wellness Centre will provide patients and their loved ones with much-needed psychosocial support; including wellness therapies and counselling services. The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre will build on 126 years of cancer care and treatment at the Austin Hospital - a part of Austin Health. www.OliviaAppeal.com