Run for hope
Chemotherapy proves no barrier for Dave

Volume 48, No. 14, August 10, 2006
By Rebecca Codey

COURAGE: Chemotherapy won’t stop FLTLT Dave Gunn from hitting the streets in Sydney’s City2Surf fun run.

FLTLT Dave Gunn will pound Sydney’s streets in this weekend’s Sun-Herald City2Surf, his teenage daughter by his side and incredible determination in his heart.

The C-130H Navigator Instructor with 285SQN, RAAF Base Richmond, was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in May, underwent major abdominal surgery and is in the midst of five months of intensive chemotherapy.

Despite the obvious physical effects of the surgery and treatment, FLTLT Gunn will participate in Australia’s largest fun run to fulfil a promise to his 13-year-old daughter Sarah and to raise money for the Cancer Council NSW.

And when he sets off on Sunday, he’s doing so in memory of former 36SQN ADMINO, the late FLGOFF Barry Campbell, who died of cancer in April. FLTLT Gunn worked with FLGOFF Campbell at 36SQN. His campaign is also a tribute to his own mother, who died of cancer in 2002.

“The funds I raise will go towards the research undertaken by the Cancer Council NSW and other services they provide to the community, such as support, education and trials,” FLTLT Gunn said.

FLTLT Gunn’s fundraising efforts have been inspired in part by his desire to repay the kindness he has received in the past three months. “The treatment I received at 3CSH during and after my surgery, as well as the treatment I’m receiving from the Nepean Cancer Clinic, Penrith, are thus far first class and at no cost to me.

According to the 46-year-old husband and father, his strategy is to have a positive outlook, healthy lifestyle, relax and maintain some normality; focussing on short term goals but being mindful of where his life will go after the treatment is complete in early November.

It may be hard to imagine how running 14 kilometres through the heart of Sydney is relaxing or normal, but it’s not such a stretch for FLTLT Gunn. Fitness has always been a priority for the Englishman, who ran the London Marathon in 2000.

He is a keen sportsman and while deployed to the Middle East as C-130 Detachment XO — only a few months before his diagnosis — ran up to eight kilometres four or five times a week.

“I’m almost halfway through my fortnightly cycles of chemotherapy and, as I’ve recovered from surgery and become accustomed to the unpleasant side effects of the treatment, I’ve been able to return to work part-time and resume a light exercise regime to maintain my fitness,” FLTLT Gunn said.

“My daughter hasn’t trained as much as I have and although she does play sport, I can’t see her running 14km non-stop which means we will walk some of the race.”

Although hopeful, FLTLT Gunn is unsure what the future holds.

“A positive attitude is the best medicine you can take,” he said.

“My next challenge is to do some motivational speaking as well as helping to raise more funds. Cancer affects such a large number of people, and it is really easy to become depressed when faced with it, especially when trying to cope with the side effects.

“I feel that if I can motivate others to change their lifestyle and outlook when either dealing with cancer, or reducing their chances of being a victim of this illness, then this unpleasant period of my life will be worthwhile.”

• Donations can be made by cheque, electronic transfer or BPay. Cheques can be sent to FLTLT Gunn at 285SQN, RAAF Richmond, NSW, 2755; or directly to the Cancer Council NSW Community Fundraising account: Commonwealth Bank, Potts Point, BSB 062-014, Account no. 2014 1016 952, reference number 139135. The BPay code is: 716969 Ref: 139135. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and a receipt will be provided. Email your details and amount to FLTLT Gunn if you use electronic methods of payment.

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