Last October, 90 people got moving for cancer research and covered 6,791 km between them. This year, a Newcastle research group wants the Hunter to more than double it.
TROG Cancer Research, based at the Calvary Mater Hospital in Newcastle, is inviting people of all ages and fitness levels to walk, run, swim, cycle or move however they like throughout October as part of its Kms for Cancer Research challenge.
The goal is 14,000 km and $14,000 for cancer research. The distance is no accident: it represents the approximately 14,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer every month, one kilometre for each of them.
There’s no need to be a marathon runner. A morning walk, a weekend bike ride, laps at the pool, a run with friends or a session at the gym all count, and every kilometre goes towards the total.
Last year’s inaugural challenge raised almost $10,000. Among the participants was 87-year-old cancer survivor Mitch Cook, who committed to walking 10,000 steps every day on his rural property. Across the Tasman, a team of 26 radiation oncologists and radiation therapists from Christchurch clocked up more than 5,000 km on their own. This year, TROG would love to see a little more of the effort come from closer to home.
TROG Cancer Research CEO Susan Goode said every dollar raised would help support vital cancer research.
“We know that one in two Australians will experience cancer before the age of 85, and the support of our community enables us to run clinical trials that improve treatment options and contribute to cancer cures,” Ms Goode said.
Newcastle-based TROG has been running cancer clinical trials since 1989 and its findings have helped change the way cancers are treated in Australia and around the world.
Every participant will receive a free TROG Cancer Research cap to help them stay sun-safe while they get active.
Visit their website to join the challenge or support a participant.
About TROG Cancer Research
TROG Cancer Research (the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group) is a global leader in cancer clinical trials and has been working to improve outcomes for people with cancer since 1989.
TROG is one of the largest clinical trials groups in Australia and New Zealand. It collaborates with hospitals, universities, cancer centres, researchers and the wider community across Australia, New Zealand and internationally.
TROG’s research focuses on improving radiation therapy for people with many different types of cancer. Findings from TROG trials have helped change the way cancers are treated in Australia and around the world.
IMAGE | Can Newcastle walk, ride and swim 14,000 km for cancer research this October?
