A Kings Langley mother diagnosed with ovarian cancer is undertaking the equivalent of more than five marathons in 42 days in a bid to raise money for research.
Lyn O’Reilly (pictured) is tackling a daily circuit of cycling, rowing and swimming at Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope to regain the strength and fitness she had before treatment.
The challenge is the equivalent of completing five-and-a-half marathons over 42 days.
A married mother of three adult sons, Ms O’Reilly was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022. She recently had further treatment.
Determined to find positives, Ms O’Reilly created a physical challenge ‘Marathons 4 Cancer’.
“Marathons 4 Cancer is about finding relevance, a cause, a motivator,” she said.
“It’s about raising awareness of ovarian cancer and raising funds to help change the story of ovarian cancer.”
Ms O’Reilly began her fundraising challenge on 8 May 2024 – World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day.
She is on track to complete the challenge on 18 June.
Blacktown City Mayor, Brad Bunting knows Ms O’Reilly through her participation in Blacktown City Council’s Sport and Recreation Advisory Committee.
“Lyn has been a long-time advocate for sport across Blacktown City, particularly hockey,” he said.
“Her fundraising to help others going through ovarian cancer, while facing a difficult time herself, speaks volumes about the woman she is.
“I encourage everyone to donate to this worthy cause.”
More than 1,200 Australian women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023, according to the Cancer Council.
The five-year survival rate for those with a late-stage diagnosis is less than 50%.
Ms O’Reilly urged all women to be aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer. These include abdominal bloating, fatigue and loss of appetite. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should see a GP, she says.
Ms O’Reilly’s progress can be followed via the Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope website: www.blacktownaquaticandsports.com.au/Events-directory/Blacktown-resident-rises-to-the-challenge-for-Ovarian-Cancer-research.
People can also donate via westmeadhf.org.au/marathons-4-cancer.
Proceeds will support the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, a centre providing research, prevention, diagnostics, personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs for patients and families coping with cancer.
