The Flowery Gully woman hosted her first Biggest Morning Tea fund-raiser for the Cancer Council 18 years ago.

Mrs Beams has since raised $98,530 for the Tasmanian branch of the charity, $7581 of which was raised this year.

Her fund-raising efforts are not confined to the annual event. Sausage sizzles at clearance sales and drinks and chocolates sold at family business Beams Bros have helped boost the coffers.

Mrs Beams said personal experiences with cancer had compelled her to do what she could to help find a cure.

‘‘My mum had had cancer, a melanoma on her face. That was 38 years ago and she’s still going strong now,’’ she said.

‘‘My sister-in-law had breast cancer and unfortunately she’s passed away.’’

Mrs Beams thanked the community for its support in her family’s fund-raising endeavours.

‘‘Whenever we do things people come along and give a donation or tell us to keep the change – everybody’s been touched by cancer,’’ she said.

Cancer Council Tasmania chief executive Penny Egan commended Mrs Beams on her contribution to the organisation.

‘‘Cancer Council Tasmania is funded 90 per cent by Tasmanians and Janet is a major contributor,’’ she said.