Meet City2Surf fundraiser and cancer survivor,
Warren Turner
By Emily Usher | 29 July 2024
We catch up with inspirational Cure Cancer fundraiser Warren Turner (or 'Waza') as he prepares to take on the world’s biggest fun run for the 18th time at 79-years-young…
Warren Turner (pictured in his Santa Barista’s hat) first supported Cure Cancer in 2020 for the City2Surf's Virtual Run.
Cure Cancer first met cancer survivor Warren Turner in 2020 during COVID, when, despite being in the middle of treatment for cancer, Warren took on the challenge of City2Surf’s Virtual Run alongside Cure Cancer CEO Nikki Kinloch.
“I’d always wanted to take part in City2Surf since it began back in 1971, but it took me a while to get around to it,” says Warren. “In 2000, I travelled to Sydney to watch Australia’s Athletic & Swimming Olympic Trials and also booked a seat for the 3rd Bledisloe Cup match. One of my squash mates suggested that as I was in Sydney on the City2Surf weekend, I may as well run it! So, after sharing a great Rugby match with 109,873 other people on the Saturday night, I shared the 20th City2Surf with another 50,312 people on the Sunday - albeit with absolutely no training, something which I ultimately paid for over the ensuing days!”
This year marks Warren’s 18th time taking part in the world’s biggest fun run (including the virtual event during COVID). He also undertook City2Surf’s sister runs in Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne to mark his 70th birthday in 2015.
“My daughter Lara organised my fundraising page with Cure Cancer in 2020, which is when I first met Nikki,” says Warren. “Since then, I’ve been happy to assist in any way I could. Supporting cancer research is absolutely vital if we are ever going to overcome this insidious disease.”
Surviving cancer
Cure Cancer CEO Nikki Kinloch with Warren Turner in 2020 at City2Surf's Virtual Run in Port Macquarie.
Sadly, cancer is a disease that Warren and his family now know only too well. “To be honest it was probably something I didn’t give a lot of thought to until one fateful day in May 2019, when an American doctor in the Emergency Department told Coleen and I that I had the Big 'C'."
Warren and Coleen were told that Warren had melanoma, which then metastasised throughout his body. Understandably, the news came as a huge shock, but Warren found a way to cope with the help of wife Coleen and his medical team.
“Looking back, the support I had from Coleen, my brilliant oncologist and all the other equally brilliant staff at the Port Macquarie Cancer Clinic was remarkable. Nothing was ever too much trouble for the wonderful nurses. Their care was from the heart and their knowledge was excellent. I never once suffered any pain or uneasiness in any of my treatments, and although it might sound strange, it really was a pleasure to go each and every time to receive treatment. Coleen was always there to chat to or to pop over to the hospital canteen to get a cappuccino and I always had a good book to read.”
- Warren
It's Warren’s upbeat outlook that seems to buoy him through life, but despite his natural inclination towards positivity, there were aspects of his cancer journey that even he found tough. “I did suffer from time to time and I had a particularly nasty cancer right on the end of my right ‘sit bone’,” he says. “It hurt so much that Coleen bought me a small pillow to help ease the pain. Mostly though, I was able to sleep well and if I didn’t, I would just get up and slip some warm clothing on, make a hot Milo and read.”
The road to recovery
Warren underwent successful novel cancer treatment for stage 4 melanoma in 2019-20.
As part of his treatment, Warren was administered immunotherapy using two new drugs, Ipilimumab and Nivolumab (“Ippy & Nivo”), which had recently gained approval from the Australian Government. “My treatment went well apart from a little hiccup in late 2019, when the drugs I was taking to kill the cancer elected to now start killing a few of my good cells as well. My oncologist made some prompt changes that soon addressed that problem!”
Below are scans taken on Warren's initial diagnosis in early 2019 and following treatment over a two-year period, at Warren’s third 12 monthly check up in 2023. The initial scan shows the extensive coverage throughout Warren’s body.
Before and after: Warren's initial scan in May 2019 (left) and his final scan in June 2023 (right).
Thankfully, this novel treatment was successful, and Warren is now cancer-free.
“The fact that someone has researched metastatic melanoma and discovered the benefits of immunotherapy over chemotherapy or radiotherapy is the reason Warren is still here. He went from having 6 months to live to now being free of cancer. It’s a wonderful endorsement for cancer research.”
- Coleen
These days, he’s feeling better than ever and credits his active lifestyle in part for his recovery. “My oncologist said that the fact I had continually played squash for well over 40 years undoubtedly helped me. The Palm Court Men’s Squash Club had developed a wonderful culture and tradition over the years. Club Members regularly came to visit me at home, which helped to keep my spirits up. It was a real tonic for me, and the memories of past times stayed with me when I went to bed after each visit. Coleen and my good friend Mike Bulmer set up a ‘Visitor Appointment’ book to make sure the visits didn’t become overwhelming, and every Wednesday, Mike would call around and pick me up, take me to squash and then bring me home. I have no doubt that Mike’s support in ensuring I continued to be a part of the Squash Club throughout my treatment ranked highly on my rehabilitation. Lara flew up to see me and her visit was also a substantial boost to my recovery.”
Over time, Warren eased back into playing squash with the support of his medical team. “My mate Noel and I would just have a few hits every Friday afternoon, no scoring, just moving and hitting the ball, as well as a few beers and laughs, until I felt ready to play a full game. I honestly think my physical and mental recovery started from there.”
"And so, the big moment came on the 19th August 2019, when I nervously stepped back on the courts for a competitive match against my good mate Jesse Smith, a young gun I formerly mentored. Jesse, being the gentleman that he was, took it easy on the old fella and even conceded a game, much to his team’s chagrin, as the overall match was quite even at that stage, but Jesse being Jesse, couldn’t help himself. The end result saw an emotional and relieved cancer survivor walking off arm in arm with his younger mate, equally relieved, no doubt," he remembers.
Warren’s Cancer Comeback match with good mate Jesse at the Palm Court Men's Squash Club in Port Macquarie.
For anyone else currently undergoing cancer, Warren has some sage advice:
“Try to hang in there and focus on staying strong. Coleen and I have met with other people going through similar situations, and we find it helps everyone to talk about their experience, whether they have cancer themselves, or caring for a loved one with the disease.”
- Warren
Coleen agrees, saying “My advice is to always have hope and know that you are not alone. My role through Warren’s illness and recovery was to support him, and I’m so happy that he’s now cancer free, but this result is not always the case. Earlier this year my sister lost her two-year battle with bowel cancer. To be able to defeat this disease, we need to research, and it’s reassuring to know that there are wonderful clever people out there searching for a cure. That’s why I feel so motivated to fundraise for Cure Cancer.”
Getting race ready
Warren at his first City2Surf in 2000.
Warren had been playing squash at Palm Court Men’s Squash Club since the complex was built back in 1977 and when the Men’s Squash Club was established in 1981, up until the Courts were closed last December. Following his retirement, it was then that his GP suggested he start a serious walking regime to supplement the exercise previously received at squash and further recommended to set himself a goal to enter and complete another City2Surf. Warren was keen and this year, Coleen decided to join him also! “Running was never my forte, but as Warren will be walking the City2Surf this year, I decided to take part alongside him for the very first time. He has told me it’s a ‘Fun Run’, so I hope to see the funny side of it when we get to Bondi!” Coleen says.
“I’ve been getting ready for the race by following my GP’s advice and doing some light gym work at home,” says Warren, as well as been walking with Coleen around South Port Macquarie in the lead up to City2Surf. “In terms of fundraising, I rely on family, friends, colleagues and sport teammates. I find that if you can present a good reason for what you’re doing, most people will support you.”
“Be honest and frank with people when you ask for their support,” advises Coleen. “I also have three Cure Cancer donation boxes in Port Macquarie to assist with driving donations.”
Warren’s final thoughts on the 2024 City2Surf:
“The City2Surf encapsulates all that is good in sport: fun, fitness, friendship, fundraising, financial benefits, competitiveness, camaraderie, and perhaps even a little pain! I want to enjoy every moment, soak up the atmosphere and draw on the memories of my previous C2S events. Having competed in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne 'Fun Runs', I always return to the Ciyt2Surf as the best. But most of all, I’m looking forward to meeting up with all the other Cure Cancer fundraisers, their researchers, and also my good school mate Col Blake, who will be taking part in his 51st City2Surf – I think he deserves Legendary Status for his achievements. The pair of us attended Waverley College and will be celebrating our 62nd School Reunion later this year.”
- Warren
Huge thanks to Warren and Coleen for sharing their story with us. You can support Warren as he takes on this year’s City2Surf by donating here or via the button below.
