Do It For Cancer is a Cancer Council fundraiser that gives you the freedom to choose how you raise money for those impacted by cancer.
Whatever you do. Just Do It For Cancer!
Ethan Heffron, a 25-year-old Canberra local, is taking on a feat greater than most. Inspired by his two grandpas, Ethan is setting out to run 400 kilometres over four days to raise much needed funds for those impacted cancer.
Why 400 kilometers? It is the distance from Canberra to Newcastle Hospital, where Ethan’s Pop, Murray, is receiving cancer treatment for skin cancer. During a recent visit Ethan couldn’t shake how it made him feel. Ethan’s Pop lost the ability to stand, which forced Ethan to reflect on how grateful he is for his ability to run. This triggered Ethan into action.
His course? The ‘bridge to bridge’ loop around Lake Burley Griffin. We worked out that’s 20 loops a day! He locked in his dates from 27 to 30 November, planning to run from dusk ‘til dawn (or however long it takes to finish 20 laps of the lake).
This isn’t his first experience with cancer; Ethan lost his grandpa, Pa Peter, to cancer when he was only 8 years old. Ethan’s grandmother, Nan Beb, is one of his biggest supporters and will be there to cheer him on over the four-day event. She knows that his Pa will be running every kilometer with him in spirit.
Ethan is no stranger to long distance running as he completed the Canberra Marathon earlier this year. The beast of ultramarathoning is yet to be conquered, however Ethan’s friends and family will be there to support him as he pushes through.
Ethan says, “I’m running for the ones we love”. With his partner, crew and his Pop’s and Pa’s spirits by his side, there’s no doubt Ethan will smash his 400 kilometers.
Ethan has set himself a fundraising target of $3,000, with every dollar raised going towards Cancer Council ACT's work in alleviating the impact of cancer on our community through cancer research, support services and prevention programs.
“People like Ethan never cease to inspire me,” said Cancer Council ACT CEO, Verity Hawkins. “Thanks to him, we are able to grow community engagement, let local people know we are here to help them and that no one has to go through cancer alone.”
You can follow Ethan's progress here: www.doitforcancer.com.au/fundraisers/ethanheffron/400km-cancer-run
Feeling inspired? You can Do It For Cancer too. Head to www.doitforcancer.com.au, choose something that inspires you, and make it even more special by helping locals affected by cancer.
About us:
Cancer Council ACT has been advocating for Canberrans living with cancer for more than 50 years across every aspect of cancer prevention, support and research to alleviate the impact of cancer in the community. Learn more about what we do here.
Contact details:
Cancer Council ACT Fundraising and Marketing Team