Honouring a legacy: Running the Melbourne Marathon in memory of Michael

By Emily Usher | 8 October 2024

This year, Sam Garland is taking part in the Melbourne Marathon for a very special cause. Not only is he raising money for Cure Cancer, he’s also running to honour the memory of his friend, mentor and colleague, Michael.  

Sam Garland, a Melbourne Marathon fundraiser, is wearing a cap and white t-shirt with the colourful Cure Cancer logo on it.

Sam Garland is running the Melbourne Marathon in memory of his friend Michael Codling, a long-time Cure Cancer supporter who recently passed from bowel cancer. Source: Provided

For Sam Garland, a father of three from Melbourne, Michael Codling was more than just someone he worked with. The pair first met when Sam joined PwC, where Michael was a partner. Although Sam was impressed by Michael’s professional acumen, he quickly grew to realise that Michael’s generosity, fun-loving spirit, and unyielding determination were the true markers of his character. Over the years, Michael became someone who Sam considered both a mentor and dear friend. 

Michael’s cancer journey

In 2013, Michael’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Although he underwent surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, the cancer returned intermittently for the next 10 years, impacting various parts of his body. 

Despite the significant physical and emotional toll, Michael approached each challenge with courage and grace, continuing to uplift those around him. “He seemed to draw strength from being of service to others and having fun,” Sam recalls. “He squeezed every drip of contribution to the world that he could over those 10 years, which helped you feel grateful rather than sad.”  

A beautiful tribute

Michael passed away in May this year, but Sam looks back on his friend’s 10-year cancer journey as one marked by resilience, strength, and hope. “Despite everything that Michael and his family were going through, he seemed to have boundless love, attention, and time for you. He'd make you feel like he’d spent weeks thinking just about you with a little note, message, or reminder of something special. The more he gave, the more he seemed to get in return,” says Sam. This spirit of giving and kindness were hallmarks of Michael’s character and continue to influence those who loved him.

A marathon with purpose

Since Michael’s passing, Sam has felt a compelling need to honour his friend’s memory. The thought of running a marathon had crossed his mind before, but he’d never felt able to commit to the training or the distance. Michael’s enthusiastic approach to life gave him clarity. “I knew he wouldn’t accept that as an excuse,” he says. So, driven by the desire to support a cause that mattered deeply to Michael, Sam signed up for Melbourne Marathon and chose to fundraise for Cure Cancer. 

Cure Cancer felt like a natural fit for Sam, but what he didn’t know at the time was that Michael had been a steadfast supporter of the organisation for over 20 years, with close connections to its leadership. This realisation solidified Sam’s decision: “It was a real sign that I’d made the right choice.” 

The importance of cancer research

As Sam prepares for the marathon, he carries Michael’s spirit with him, running not just for himself but for all those affected by cancer. The journey ahead will be a testament to friendship, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a remarkable man. 

Sam feels strongly that supporting cancer research is vital and believes that advancements in research are crucial for improving treatment outcomes and fostering hope for future patients. “When I got to understand Cure Cancer’s work, I was struck by the breadth of their impact and support,” he shares. 

Join the cause

When Sam began fundraising in Michael’s memory, he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and colleagues—many of whom hadn’t even known Michael personally but were touched by his legacy. “I never expected to see so much support, but knowing Mike's impact, it really shouldn't have surprised me at all,” he reflects. 

Ahead of the big race, Sam’s greatest hope is that others will support Cure Cancer and commit to kickstarting bold new ideas, accelerating new ways to cure cancer so that fewer families face the devastating impact of the disease. 

Sam has already raised an incredible $8,723 towards his $10,000 fundraising goal! You can support his efforts at the Melbourne Marathon by donating to his fundraiser below. 

Find out more about fundraising for Cure Cancer at our fitness events here