Local golfers trading birdies for breakthroughs as they tackle The Longest Day challenge
They’ll be sinking putts from dawn to dusk, but for 80 Canberrans taking on Cancer Council ACT’s The Longest Day, every swing counts towards a cancer-free future.
From pros to novices, participants choose to play 72, 54 or 36 holes in a single day at their local clubs and have already raised $15,000 towards a $50,000 target.
The action heats up today on Monday 9 November at Murrumbidgee Golf Club, Canberra Public Golf Course and Fairbairn Golf Club. With clubs including Royal Military College Golf Club and Queanbeyan Golf Club taking part later in November and December. Registrations remain open to golfers who want to join in on the challenge.
Tackling their second year and playing 54 holes in a day today, is an all-female team, the Bidgee Bashers, proving that determination, friendship and a love of golf can drive real change.
“All of us have been affected by cancer in some way – either being diagnosed ourselves or when a family member, friend or colleague was. The Cancer Council ACT’s Longest Day is a great way for us to help out a fantastic cause and have a fun day out.”
“Research is the only way that new treatment options that can increase survival rates and improve cancer outcomes can be found, and we all want to do our part to make sure that research funding continues to be available by taking part in The Longest Day.” team caption Robyn said.
Cancer Council ACT CEO, Verity Hawkins said every dollar raised will help fund local cancer research, prevention and support services for those impacted by cancer in the ACT.
“Teams like the Bidgee Bashers remind us of what can be achieved when we come together with a purpose”, Ms Hawkins said.
Almost 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85 with skin cancer being the most common cancer in Australia.
Golfers long hours in the sun also put them at greater risk, with one in four diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, compared to the 7% of the general population.
Ms Hawkins encourages golfers to slip on sun protective clothing, slop on SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, slap on a broad-brim hat, seek shade and slip on wraparound sunglasses before stepping onto the course.
To donate or register, visit longestday.org.au.
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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.
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