Wollongong brain cancer survivor Beth Abbey was so excited to learn of a new Cancer Council fun run planned for the city on June 21, she volunteered to become an ambassador.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms Abbey knows how great the need is to raise awareness and funds for research into the disease that kills so many young Australians.
She said few people knew how common brain cancer was and she was pleased to see Wollongong had taken such a positive step in staging a corporate challenge called the Blue Mile Dash.
"It is a little known fact that brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in people under the age of 39, yet it is still one of the least researched cancers," she said.
"I want to help promote more brain cancer awareness and participate in the event."
Ms Abbey is encouraging businesses to enter teams of four for some friendly competition at next week's inaugural 1.6-kilometre corporate fun run along the Blue Mile.
Modelled on Sydney's City Mile Dash, it starts at the Continental Pool, heads to North Beach surf club and then along Cliff Road.
Ms Abbey and fellow ambassador Mick Lowe, of the DRB Group, will also participate in the dash at 1pm on June 21 as will business leaders such as the IMB's Terry Widdicombe.
IMB is a gold sponsor of the event.
Ms Abbey underwent three operations followed by radiation after she was diagnosed in 2011.
That was when she heard about the need for more research.
Of the 1600 people diagnosed with brain cancer in Australia each year, 1200 die from it, making it one of the most lethal types of cancer.
Mr Lowe said it was a cause close to his heart.
"In the past I have actually had experience first-hand with brain tumours," he said.
"One of my grandmothers died of an inoperable brain tumour."
Event co-ordinator Georgia Garcia has also received support from the Illawarra Business Chamber, Destination Wollongong and Savvy Fitness.
Businesses can register teams and get the early bird rate this week at bluemiledash.com.au or on 4223 0200.
Cancer Council regional manager Toby Dawson said it was great to be involved in something so new for the city.
"It is something specifically targeted at the business community that is designed to be a fun and interactive way to get them out and involved in the fight against cancer," he said.
Pictured: Cancer Council ambassador Beth Abbey (right) with Blue Mile Dash participants Terry Widdicombe, Toby Dawson, Michael Lowe and Georgia Garcia at North Beach. Photo: KEN ROBERTSON
