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Young cyclist takes on Mount Kosciuszko for cancer research

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ACRF supporter, Ben Coulter is a 19-year-old cycling enthusiast from Cairns. In October, he successfully rode solo and unsupported from Melbourne all the way to Sydney via Mount Kosciuszko to support cancer research.

“I wanted to give something back to the community and, because cancer impacts so many lives, I decided to raise funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.

I’m very passionate about road cycling and mountain biking. I love riding because it’s such a good release. I’ve been working professionally in the biking industry for around three years now and I really enjoy it.

Over the 16-day journey, I covered around 1,700 kilometres and climbed over 24,000 vertical meters! I chose the route via Mount Kosciuszko because it was a huge challenge. It was mostly steep climbs and I thought the harder, the better, as I knew it was going to be the most rewarding for me to achieve.

In the past, I’ve completed a few other big rides including the 720 kilometre Cairns to Karumba and the 320 kilometre Cairns to Cooktown. However these rides were all supported and we rode in groups. The Sydney to Melbourne challenge was my first solo, unsupported journey and I plan on doing many more.

My favourite areas along the way were probably Corryong or Marysville in Victoria – I love the beautiful, crisp alpine environment and the scenery made for a great ride. One of the most memorable highlights from my trip included cycling the mountain ranges around the Tolmie area. It was such a great feeling making the climb to the top of the Dead Horse Gap just outside of Thredbo and cycling to the top of Mount Kosciuszko.

I would highly recommend doing a solo charity ride. If you’re thinking about taking on any charity challenge for the ACRF, my advice is to make sure you’re prepared and then give it all you’ve got! Embrace the challenge and when it gets tough, remember why you are doing it.”

Click here to support Ben.

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Beneath the surface of skin cancer patients

skin cancer, research discoveries, cancer charity, donating to cancer research, charity foundation, types of cancer, fighting cancer, current cancer research, cancer scientists, give to charity, donate to charity, charity donation, online fundraising, cancer fundraising

Here at the ACRF we are proud to equip Australia’s leading cancer researchers with the resources they need to end cancer.

Recently, a team of researchers from the University of Queensland discovered a protein that helps to control an important process in cell adhesion that is disrupted when someone contracts a disease such as skin cancer.

The researchers said that the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Cancer Biology Imaging Facility at UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) played a vital role in this research.

It is currently one of the largest and most comprehensively equipped facilities in Australia for both the imaging and screening of chemical and biological libraries.

The facility was founded in 2010 with a $2.5 million ACRF grant and is home to 23 high-performance microscopes and supporting image data analysis workstations.

PhD student Rashmi Priya at IMB says that what the research has done is clarify the role of the protein myosin in tissue integrity.

“The protein Myosin is found at cell connection points and we now know that it plays a crucial role in regulating how cells stick together to form tissues in the body,” she said.

“Our research has shown that this is because myosin protects a switch that acts as a stabiliser. This switch must be very tightly controlled as it affects many processes within the body. Too much or too little of this switch, or having it in the wrong place, can lead to diseases such as skin cancer, says Priya.”

Professor Alpha Yap, who led the research team, says “The cells in all the tissues of our body die and have to be replaced as regularly as every 24 hours in the intestinal system. For this to happen, adhesion between cells must be carefully broken down and rebuilt, and we now have a better understanding of what it is that’s controlling this whole process.”

The original article was published on the Institute for Molecular Bioscience website, click here to read more.

Over $117,000 raised for cancer research at City2Surf

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This past weekend over 80 thousand people participated in the iconic 14 kilometre City2Surf. Runners set off from Hyde Park in the heart of Sydney’s CBD and made their way through to the finish line at Bondi Beach.

This year, Team ACRF was made up of 190 incredible runners from all walks of life. Thanks to their hard work and dedication they were able to raise over $117k for cancer research.

Many of the ACRF runners have been personally affected by cancer, including Jonathan Wiener, who had an army of supporters contribute an astounding $20,000 in memory of his cousin Michelle, who lost her battle with brain cancer in February.

“I promised Michelle that I would do everything in my power to find a cure for this devastating disease and running City2Surf for cancer research is my first step in keeping that promise.”

Supporting them along the way were 35 enthusiastic volunteers who cheered on Team ACRF and doled out high-fives from the sidelines.

One of ACRF’s Corporate Champions, Deloitte, generously sponsored a fantastic beach front Marquee where ACRF runners and their families joined the Deloitte team for a congratulatory lunch on the beach.

The ACRF thanks everyone who participated in the City2Surf or who came out to support our runners on the day. We loved meeting you all and celebrating your achievement.

View the team leaderboard – click here.

Where one daughter leads, her mother follows – an inspiring distance runner shares her story

Professor Anne Boyd, marathon runner, fun runs, run for cancer research, cancer charity, charity foundation, fighting cancer, online fundraising, charity volunteer, city2surf, chairity challenge, cancer, fitness

“I truly believe we will beat cancer, possibly in my lifetime.” – Professor Anne Boyd.

Professor Boyd is 69 years young and discovered her passion for distance running only a few short years ago. This has led her to not only become a great advocate for cancer research, raising both funds and awareness, but it has also led her to win the Sydney Striders F65-69 Marathon trophy and become the Southern Highlands Challenge poster girl!

Her love affair with running began back in 2013, when she decided that, in celebration of her 67th Birthday, she would compete in her first 5K run at the Australian Running Festival in Canberra.

Two years later, she has become a dedicated running enthusiast and has completed a number of challenging races including City2Surf, four Half Marathons, the Melbourne Marathon and numerous other competitive10Ks.

“I’ve loved every step, even the more painful ones. I enjoy mid-race conversations with other runners and play up photo opportunities! A camera is always worth a grin and a grin helps deal with any fatigue issues which might be building up. Although there is real pleasure in achieving a personal best, my only important aim in a run is to finish,” says Anne.

Anne sees the sport as a really great way to raise funds for a cause that touches all our lives.

“I am personally so grateful for advances in cancer research. I’ve had tests detect precancerous polyps, which I had removed, and a recent breast scan that detected a small lump which was quickly determined not to be of any danger. These advances, of course, are bought about through the research that has made such great strides in my lifetime. But it needs everyone’s support, so I’m really happy that I can do my part and run for this cause.”

Anne’s daughter, Helen Louise is a huge supporter of her mum’s new found hobby and has been a great source of inspiration and encouragement to her since the beginning. As a distance runner herself, she became her mum’s go-to for knowledge on all things running and even ran alongside Anne in her very first race, helping her to achieve third place in her age division.

“My darling daughter ran with me as a warm-up for her serious event the next day and was rewarded with considerable grumpiness from her hot and bothered mother during the final kilometres! But to finish was a joy! She has played a key role in my new found passion, so now, where she leads, I follow.”

To support Anne at this year’s City to Surf, click here.

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Using your talent to raise funds for cancer research

Every one of us has a unique set of talents, and our mission at the ACRF is to support Australia’s top cancer researchers to do what they do best.

It’s not easy to find the motivation to explore your strengths and creativity, but raising funds to help the experts find new treatments and cures for cancer might be just the inspiration you need! To help get your started, see what some of our supporters are doing.

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May Carrick is a police officer by day and a musician who records his albums by night, dedicating all proceeds to cancer research in honour of his father whom he lost to cancer two years ago. May first began writing music to help him cope. Check out his latest album here.

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Mikaela Designs is an amazingly talented sketch artist who recently showcased her work in honour of her late friend Casey. Her artwork was auctioned off to the highest bidder at an exhibition that she organised for cancer research.

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Kirin Matthews is the founder of Jewellery for a Cause – a jewellery company with a passion for supporting charitable organisations and important causes. She donates 20% of each piece to charities such as the ACRF. View one of her latest creations here.

If you’re still not sure what type of charity fundraising you want to do, you can visit our A-Z fundraising page for more fun ideas on how you can make the most of your own unique talents.

Alone, on foot, across the Simpson Desert, Ian Vickers is pushing himself to the limit for cancer research

fighting cancer, cancer charity, charity foundation, cancer research, funding research, online fundraising, adventure, walk the simpson, ian vickers, give to charity, donate to charity, charity donation

In the next few days, Ian Vickers will be venturing out into the Australian outback to start his journey across the harsh terrain of the Simpson Desert. He will be travelling over 400 kms by foot – hauling his food and water supplies on a custom built cart.

“I’ve been flat out the past week with last minute preparations, all is going well, feeling fit, strong and confident with a healthy dash of nervousness,” says Ian.

He has chosen to dedicate this challenge to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

“There are many worthy charities whose name I could have chosen to support, however I lost both my parents to cancer far too early in their life, so it felt right to pick a charity that is dedicated to finding cures for this terrible disease. In fact, I believe that the success of my adventure will not only be measured by the completion of my walk but also in my ability to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.”

Ian says he’s enjoyed every step of the journey so far. He has already invested an incredible amount of time and effort leading up to his quest, with the initial planning and preparations starting back in May of last year.

“I literally walked the soles off a pair of old boots during one of my training sessions earlier in the year! I had a good friend of mine build a training rig consisting of scaffold poles and car tires that I could hook up to my new harness to drag up and down the beach.”

And with all the hard miles put in he could not be more ready to embark on this remarkable adventure.

“I’m relishing the new skills I’ve acquired along the way. I have a plan B, C or D for almost every eventuality should I run in to trouble along the way. But I have to credit all the support from friends, family and strangers alike, there’s no way I could have done this without them.”

We are all very excited (not to mention a little bit anxious) for Ian, and wish the best of luck as he sets out to accomplish this extraordinary feat.

To support Ian’s journey, visit his Everyday Hero Page here.

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No hair don’t care – brave supporters lose their locks for cancer research

This inspiring group of individuals won’t have to worry about hat hair under their beanies this winter. They’ve faced the scissors in honour of those who have had to face cancer and in doing so have helped shave years off of cancer research.

The O’Neil family raised an incredible $10,000 and lopped off an equally impressive amount of hair at an event that honoured their mum. We all owe a big thank you to this family of legends for their most generous act of support.

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Joining them, Angela from Bowral in the Southern highlands made the decision to shave her hair off on her grandpa’s birthday. “My grandfather was the most amazing kind hearted man. He lost the love of his life to this disease and had to then face it on his own so this was my way of honour them both.”

Meanwhile in Melbourne the ReachLocal team embarked on a race like no other. They were let loose on the town to carry out a mission that would prove themselves against their in-house rivals and raise money and awareness for cancer research.

No hair don’t care - brave supporters lose their locks for cancer research This inspiring group of individuals won’t have to worry about hat hair under their beanies this winter. They’ve faced the scissors in honour of those who have had to face cancer and in doing so have helped shave years off of cancer research. The O’Neil family raised an incredible ,000 and lopped off an equally impressive amount of hair at an event that honoured their mum. We all owe a big thank you to this family of legends for their most generous act of support. Joining them, Angela from Bowral in the Southern highlands made the decision to shave her hair off on her grandpa’s birthday. “My grandfather was the most amazing kind hearted man. He lost the love of his life to this disease and had to then face it on his own so this was my way of honour them both.” Meanwhile in Melbourne the ReachLocal team embarked on a race like no other. They were let loose on the town to carry out a mission that would prove themselves against their in-house rivals and raise money and awareness for cancer research. The winning team had the honour of cutting the Learning Program Manager’s gorgeous long locks and were pretty excited about it (as you can see!). Everyone came out feeling like champions in the end when they discovered that they smashed their fundraising target. Well done all! We are humbled by your efforts. If these superstars have inspired you and you want go bare under your beanie this winter find out more by clicking here. https://acrf.com.au/head-shaves-for-cancer-research/

The winning team had the honour of cutting the Learning Program Manager’s gorgeous long locks and were pretty excited about it (as you can see!). Everyone came out feeling like champions in the end when they discovered that they smashed their fundraising target.

Well done all! We are humbled by your efforts. If these superstars have inspired you and you want go bare under your beanie this winter find out more by clicking here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Why do so many people run for a cause? One runner tells his story.

running for charity, cancer research, brain cancer, types of cancer, funding research, running for cancer, online fundraising, marathons, city2surf, fighting cancer

Today it seems that everyone (and their dog) is running a fun run, half or full marathon. But what the growing numbers don’t say is how hard it actually is to finish a race. They don’t tell you that there is something special you need, right out of the gate, in order to have a shot at finishing what you’ve started.

You need something that will keep you going when your body is pleading with you to give up.

For most, this will be a cause that is bigger than they are. For Jonathan Weiner it’s the thought of his cousin. Having lost Michelle to cancer, Jonathan became determined to do something to honour her memory and make a difference. It’s fuelled his fire to run in this year’s City2Surf in August.

Jonathan says “I am going to keep a promise that I made her. I promised Michelle that I would do everything in my power to find a cure for this devastating disease, and this is my first step in keeping that promise.”

“Although my cousin died of brain cancer, many different types of cancers have affected my family, which is why I chose to raise funds for the ACRF. It is a way for me to help fund research in all types of cancer,” says Jonathan.

People from all over the world are joining forces to help Jonathan reach his goal of raising $18,000 for cancer research and support him in his journey to honour his cousin.

To get behind Jonathan in his cancer fun run please click here.

To see how you can embark on your own running challenge here.

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Make the most of your City2Surf by setting up an Online Fundraising campaign!

Everything is going digital nowadays and that includes fundraising for your chosen cancer charity!

Online fundraising is a simple, easy and effective way to raise funds and engage with potential donors.

The Australian Cancer Research Foundation has partnered up with a number of online fundraising portals, such as Everyday Hero and GoFundraise, to make your online fundraising experience as easy as possible.

With the 2014 City2Surf general entries opening up today, why not make your run even more meaningful by opening up an online fundraising page and sharing it with your family and friends?

Continue reading “Make the most of your City2Surf by setting up an Online Fundraising campaign!”