Topp candidate: Dame Lynda to run for Ashburton council

Kiwi entertainers Dame Lynda and Dame Jools Topp during their cancer journey. Dame Lynda is now...
Kiwi entertainers Dame Lynda and Dame Jools Topp during their cancer journey. Dame Lynda is now running for a seat on the Ashburton District Council. Photo: Facebook
She's tried her hand at many a thing over the years - and now Dame Lynda Topp is set to take on politics as she stands in the upcoming local body elections.

Dame Lynda (64) has spent much of this year undergoing gruelling treatment for breast cancer - but that has not stopped her stepping up as a candidate for the Ashburton District Council.

She is standing in the region's Western Ward and, as of today, will run against the incumbent Rodger Letham and Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan.

The Topp Twins - Dame Lynda and sister Dame Jools - announced in March this year that they were both fighting breast cancer.

Jools was diagnosed with breast cancer 16 years ago and after having chemotherapy, went into remission.

However, this year she discovered that her cancer has metastasised, and started radiation therapy.

In December 2021, Lynda was diagnosed with Grade 3 invasive breast cancer.

She underwent a double mastectomy and started six months of intensive chemotherapy.

The Topp Twins as Camp Mother and Camp Leader at the Auckland Rainbow Pride Parade in 2020. Photo...
The Topp Twins as Camp Mother and Camp Leader at the Auckland Rainbow Pride Parade in 2020. Photo: Sylvie Whinray
The famous sisters spent more than four months apart during their treatment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but managed to get together for their recent birthday.

On August 4 they posted an update on their Facebook page.

"It has been eight months since Lynda was diagnosed with Grade 3 Breast Cancer and six months since Jools was discovered with a new tumour in her rib cage," they said.

"We are both alive and kicking but it has been a pretty hard journey of surgery chemo and for Jools' radiation therapy.

"The love and support we have had from Kiwis and fans around the world has been amazing and we thank each and every one of you who have sent messages and donated to our Givealittle page.

"To all of you lots of love."

The sisters also shared a series of photos showing the reality of their journey - of them in hospital and having treatment.

They became Kiwi television staples with their show The Topp Twins, where they played characters Camp Mother and Camp Leader, and Ken and Ken. 

In 2018 they were appointed Dames Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

More than $132,600 has been donated to the siblings to help them through their battle with cancer.

Lynda and Jools aged 25. Photo: Supplied
Lynda and Jools aged 25. Photo: Supplied

Local elections decide who represents us on our city, district, and regional councils.

The people elected to local councils get to make decisions about daily living in New Zealand - and the future of towns and cities.

Elected members work together to set and collect rates, oversee town planning, and provide services like rubbish collection, parks and libraries.

Kiwis can vote in the Local Body Elections from September 16 to October 8.

The full and final list of candidates for each area will be published on August 17.

If you want to help click here to visit the Givealittle page.

- By Anna Leask and Jonathan Leask