An 11-day, 333-kilometre walk to raise vital funds for skin cancer research and prevention has hit the road in Canberra today.
‘Jay’s Mission Melanoma Walk’ will see participants stride out from Parliament House in Canberra to Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with the group planning to arrive on the first day of summer, Sunday, December 1st.
“Every step we take in this charity walk is a step toward saving lives,” said Cancer Survivor, Founder and Australian Skin Cancer Foundation CEO, Jay Allen OAM.
“By participating, we are not only raising crucial funds, but also spreading awareness
about the importance of skin cancer prevention and ensure no one goes through a
skin cancer diagnosis alone.”
Since being diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma in 2008, and throat cancer in 2021, Mr Allen says he has witnessed gaps in the system in terms of patient voice and lack of support for many on their cancer journey.
“Coming together to form the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, the team and I hope to bridge this gap so no-one goes through a skin cancer diagnosis alone. We will continue to raise awareness and generate funds; because more research means more successful treatments,” he said.
Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world with over 16,800 Australians expected to be diagnosed with melanoma this year. The walk aims to not only raise awareness about skin cancer but also to contribute significantly to research initiatives that will lead to better prevention and treatment options.
Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare, was on hand at Parliament House in Canberra this morning to bid the group farewell and share his own skin cancer experience.
“A few years ago, I was diagnosed with melanoma. I’m one of the lucky ones. I spotted a mole on my leg, which I noticed had changed colour,” said Minister Clare.
“And so I booked an appointment with the doctor. She said, ‘Okay, let’s cut it out’. We cut it out, and I’m so lucky that we did, because that decision to see her and cut it out saved my life.
“If melanomas are left on your body to grow, they metastasise and spread and can kill you. Check your skin, go see a doctor, it’s so important.”
In June, the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation launched Australia’s first mobile National Skin Check Truck.
The groundbreaking initiative provides free skin checks to communities who otherwise may not be able to access a similar service, while further educating them on skin cancer and how to take preventative measures.
To date, more than 8,200 individual skin checks have been conducted by Skin Check Truck staff at around 55 locations across Australia.
Money raised from the Canberra to Sydney walk will also go towards funding a second truck.
Those taking part in the charity walk have their own tales of survival.
Growing up on the NSW South Coast, Dean McHardie spent his younger years at the beach without a care in the world.
“The surf and sun was what it was all about. Unfortunately, that all changed,” he says.
“At 38, I was a training officer, working with mine rescue teams as a retained firefighter with Fire & Rescue. I was loving life and family. And then I was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on my right shoulder, with only one option given to me by the surgeon – a forequarter amputation.
“Not knowing what lay in front of me or even what a forequarter amputation was, or how a BCC could be this aggressive.
“On the 23rd of December 2014, my life changed forever. After 12 hours of surgery, I was less one arm. No longer able to work in either of the fields I had worked in for many years, I faced a dilemma – what was next? How would I provide for my family? But the adventure had only just begun.
“I kept thinking: how can this be, how is this possible? Why me? I’m sure I’m not the first person to ask themselves these questions, and I won’t be the last.
“My journey as an amputee was only just beginning. Dealing with depression, I turned to running to cope with what had happened. I did numerous ultra marathons and triathlons and had the privilege of wearing the green and gold for Australia at para triathlons. That has been a major highlight.
“But let me be a lesson. Get a skin check because this can happen to anyone.”
Phil Murray – a two time stage three melanoma survivor – says he is walking for a few reasons.
“Firstly, to help my mate Jay and the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation raise awareness of
everything they do and funding to do it,” he said.
“To help educate the importance of skin checks and why we need more skin check trucks in every state and territory. To walk for those who either can’t do the walk or want to support this epic cause.
“And finally, for myself, at the end of 12 months of treatment and surgeries to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.”
Fast Facts:
- One Australian dies from Melanoma every six hours.
- Australian has the highest rates of Melanoma in the world.
- Melanoma is the 3rd most common cancer in Australia.
- It is estimated that 1300 Australians will die from Melanoma this year.
- It is expected that over 16,800 Australians will be diagnosed with Melanoma this
year. - Over 1 million people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer each year in
Australia. - Melanoma is the second most common cancer in men, in Australia after Prostate
cancer. - Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly treated cancer in Australia. It
includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Anyone interested in joining the team along the way, can register and join via the website or make a donation. www.australianskincancerfoundation.org.
For more information on the route of the walk, click here.
