It was the last in a series of fundraisers have been held over the last three months to reach this target, including events at the Grand Hotel Bega and Wolumla Hotel.

The festival was held at Merimbula Beach Holiday Park at Short Point, where new managers Colin and Pattie allowed Irene’s husband Wayne and the fellow organisers to transform the park grounds into an outdoor music and food festival. 

Like the others, this last fundraising event is for Irene’s ground-breaking MS treatment in Moscow next week under the care of Russian doctor Denis Fedorenko.

For nine hours crowds were entertained by some of the Far South Coast’s finest musical acts including The Stumbling Wilburies, The Blue Ruins, Roxygen, The Figmentz, The O'Donnell Bros, Gary Carson Jones and The Poddy Dodgers, Once Bitten, Ricky Bloomfield, Brett Ralph, Erin McMahon, Chris O'Donnell, Sapphire Coast Big Band, The Duck and last but not least Dr Fed and The Soviets, a band formed by Wayne to acknowledge Dr Fedorenko and Irene’s fundraising campaign.

Over 700 people attended the festival which raised over $10,000, allowing the Trezise family to reach their target plus money spare for further medical treatment that will follow in Australia on Irene’s return.

A special presentation was made by St George Bank Manager Julie Lay and staff member Nerida Cornwell to the Trezise family at the event. 

Wayne had asked the bank to waiver the foreign exchange fee on payment for the treatment due to the fact it was being made from fundraising money from the community. 

Senior St George management not only waved the fee, but instructed the Bega branch to give a donation of $1000 towards the cause. 

The bank is also providing a package for a weekend in Canberra for Wayne and children Tanisha, Tegan and Dylan during their mother's absence where they can visit Questacon and the Dinosaur Museum.

St George gift bags were also given to the children on the night of the event.

Irene was diagnosed with MS in 2005 shortly after the birth of her first child. 

Since then her condition has deteriorated to the point she needs assistance to walk and suffers chronic fatigue and pain among myriad other symptoms including recent eyesight problems. 

She has been accepted by Dr Fedorenko to receive HSCT (haematopoietic stem cell therapy) where Irene will have her blood stem cells harvested before receiving intense chemotherapy to obliterate her immune system. 

Then her prepared stem cells will be transplanted in again to reboot her immune system.

Irene will fly to Moscow tomorrow to begin her month long treatment, escorted by long-time friend Sharon George. 

Wayne will bring her home at the end of her treatment schedule where she will remain in isolation at home for at least a further month to avoid infection while her immune system rebuilds itself. 

At the Festival for Irene was Tina Sten from Pambula Beach who received HSCT in India 18 months ago after her MS took a rapid progression. 

“She was forced to use a wheelchair and required assistance to do most things, however on Saturday she danced in front of the huge crowd,” Wayne said.

“She is living proof of what HSCT can do for people with MS.

"The people of our valley community and beyond have given us the chance to give Irene a new life and we are forever grateful to you all", said Wayne. 

“The Festival for Irene would not have happened without fellow committee members and friends, Lynne and Andy O'Donnell, Ken Vatcher, Darryl and Angie Dobson, and Greg Whitby. 

"All the other people needed to be thanked for the Festival for Irene are just too many to list but I believe I have thanked you all personally and if I have forgotten anyone, please take this as a thank you from my family to you.

“My family can't thank all you wonderful people and local businesses enough for you overwhelming support towards Irene's cause. 

“We plan to keep you all informed of her progress through our Facebook page, God bless you all,” Wayne said.