Taking
steps to find cure for cancer
By
Cpl Crissy Williams
RAIN, hail or sticky flies, nothing was going to hinder this dedicated
group of fundraisers from achieving their goal of raising $30,000
for breast cancer research.
Exercise Countdown – Walking Towards a Cure surpassed its
fundraising target with a current total of $36,000 being raised
The 100-hour charity walk was the idea of WO1 Mick Spring, whose
motivation was his wife Donna’s diagnosis and subsequent
treatment for breast cancer in Canberra.
“I wanted to do something constructive to say thank you to
all the fantastic people who helped Donna during her treatment
rather than just giving them a card or flowers,” WO1 Spring
said.
The funds raised will go to the Cancer Foundation ACT for breast
cancer research and to the Zeta Mary Clinic.
“The generosity and support shown by the Army and the people
of Canberra has been exceptional. We have had calls from various
units around Australia wanting to know how they can contribute
and to let us know they are undertaking fundraising events of
their own,” WO1 Spring said.
A star fundraiser was WO2 Steve Moore who raised more than $5500.
His aim was to persuade all military and civilian staff at R1
at Russell Offices in Canberra to either take part or to sponsor
him to walk.
WO2 Moore said a work colleague of his wife’s said he would
sponsor him to push his daughter around the lake in her wheelchair,
and he did. “We had a great time, even the sticky flies and
drizzle couldn’t put a damper on our mood,” he said.
CDF ACM Angus Houston enthusiastically agreed to sponsor WO2 Moore
$1 for each kilometre he completed.
RSM-A WO Kevin Woods and RSM Ceremonial WO1 Jeff Hansen were strong
supporters of the event by walking in shifts from midnight to
6am every day of the event.
Special thanks goes to Defence Health for their generous donation
and support, numerous local businesses, 9 FSB, 5 CSSB, 1 HFB,
the Australian Federation Guard, all the staff at DFS-A and everyone
who donated either their time or money.
People who would like to contribute a donation, can do so at any
Defcredit branch. Please include your name and contact details
for a tax receipt. For details please contact WO1 Spring at mick.spring@defence.gov.au
