RAIN did not deter those attending the "Gunna-Do-It-4-Mark" fundraising event in Cannonvale on Sunday afternoon.

More than 400 people turned up to support local musician and long-term resident Mark Nicol who is battling cancer.

More than $40,000 was raised and the organisers were absolutely thrilled with the result.

Local businesses generously donated the prizes and the event was organised totally by volunteers.

Many former local residents returned to Airlie for the weekend to show their support with some describing it as an Airlie reunion.

When the rain came late on Sunday afternoon, the crowd soon moved inside. The volunteers quickly moved the music equipment from the main stage on the back of a truck to inside the shed - and the show carried on.

Guests were able to pre-order the new CD "The Mark Nicol project - Ocean Deep" on the day.

Mark's sister, Joanne Moynihan, said the Nicol family were overwhelmed by the support for their son, brother and uncle.

"It's great to see how many lives Mark has touched and Sunday was a great show of that support,"she said.

"We just cannot thank everyone enough for getting behind this outstanding event."

One of the organisers, Maz McDougall, said she was amazed and impressed by the amount of support.

"We live in a wonderful community," she said.

"There are hundreds of people who deserve a mention for their support and their tireless efforts but I just can't name them all," she said.