Supporter Story: Derek

Q1. Please tell us about yourself – where are you based? 

I'm based on the south coast of NSW, living in a small coastal town called Manyana, which is 30 minutes from Jervis Bay where I work. 

Q2. Why have you decided to fundraise for ACRF? Has cancer personally affected you? 

I’m proudly running the 2026 Sydney Marathon as part of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation team, and this year, the race carries a very personal meaning for me. I’ll be 42 on race day, the same age my dad was when he passed away from cancer. He was a marathon runner himself, and running has become my way of staying connected to him. Every kilometre reminds me of his strength, discipline and resilience.

This will be my first marathon, and taking it on at 42 feels like the right moment to honour him by continuing something he loved. I’m also aiming to raise $3,000 to support ACRF and help fund world-class cancer research across Australia. Every donation, big or small, brings me one step closer to that goal.

By supporting my fundraising, you’re not only helping me reach the finish line, you’re helping drive breakthroughs in cancer prevention, treatment and survival so more families can have time that my dad never got.

Crossing the finish line will be a huge personal milestone, but doing it for ACRF gives it an even deeper purpose. It’s a tribute to my dad, a celebration of his life, and a commitment to helping others facing cancer today.

Q3. Why is cancer research so important to you? Why should people support cancer research?

Cancer research is important to me because I have been personally affected by cancer, just like far too many others. Seeing firsthand the devastation it brings has shown me how deeply it touches not only those diagnosed, but their families and loved ones as well. 

If supporting cancer research can help advance treatments, improve outcomes, or even contribute in a small way to finding a cure, then it is worth every effort. 

No one should have to experience the pain, loss, and uncertainty that cancer causes, and research gives hope that one day fewer people will have to.