Superstar Fundraisers: Virtual City2Surf
Australia’s favourite fun run may look a bit different this year, but that hasn’t stopped Cure Cancer’s incredible City2Surf fundraisers in raising $18,000 and counting!
We hear from two runners who are giving the race their all this weekend and doing it for a cure…
Damian
Damian Parkes
I was inspired to sign up for the virtual City2Surf because it’s an iconic fun run which brings out the best Sydney has to offer. Being a ‘virtual’ event makes it different, but it’ll be a lot of fun and in many ways will be easier to participate by completing the fun run at home on the Northern Beaches. I plan to run around Narrabeen lagoon as part of my 14km journey and will use the extra time available (as I will not need to make my way into the city) thinking about how I can continue to make a difference with Cure Cancer.
If you asked me how I’m feeling, I’d say excited and looking forward to a relaxed and picturesque run, and I know I’m doing it for a great cause.
I have had so many friends and family leave this world due to this insidious disease and I want to make a difference. My mum has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer which re-enforces my passion and commitment to help find a cure.
It’s important to support emerging cancer-researchers because they’re often thinking left field in their approach to finding a cure…it must be their young and enthusiastic approach!
Vicky Kvisle
Three generations of our family decided to raise money for Cure Cancer in the 2020 City2Surf, as many of us have done previously. Because Covid-19 has impacted so many charities this year, it's important the community supports these wonderful initiatives and "has fun" doing it as well.
As a family, we’re really excited - especially all the kids aged 11 and under, down to 4 weeks who will be carried all the way! Being able to choose our own running track and not having to walk amongst the horde along New South Head Rd and up Heartbreak Hill will be great fun for us, and certainly safer. The fact that we are still competing albeit virtually means the kids get to dress up in their Cure Cancer shirts and get a medal at the end - a win-win situation.
Our family has been involved with Cure Cancer almost since its inception in 1967, and we know from personal experience that one Australian dies every 12 minutes from cancer. It's a disease that affects us all, whether directly or indirectly and the only thing that will cure this horrible disease is research.
Sadly, my brother Peter passed away from cancer in 2015. Since his passing, we have continued raising funds to support vital cancer research as we are eternally grateful for the researchers and the work Cure Cancer supports. Donating $100,000 in 2015 allowed us to name a research grant in his memory: The Peter Charody and Cure Cancer Grant. Five years on, we aim to raise another $100,000 to fund a second research grant in his memory. To date, we have raised $67,758, but we need help to raise the additional $32,242 to reach our goal.
Most research grants go to scientists who have a proven track record of results, leaving behind unexplored but potentially lifesaving research by talented young minds. Because of this, we find it incredibly special that Cure Cancer fund early-career cancer researchers who are working across all cancer types based on merit. We are very proud to keep fundraising and supporting Cure Cancer.
GET INVOLVED
Ready…set…go! Today marks the first official day that runners can take part in the virtual City2Surf and it’s not too late to lace up your trainers and participate in the race.
Help Team Cure Cancer hit our $50,000 goal and hit the ground running for life-saving cancer research. Entries close 5pm on Saturday 17th October – sign up below:
If you can’t take part in the race, donate instead and help our inspiring cancer researchers make this the last generation to die from cancer.