I listened for a while as he recounted his story of how, after being separated from our kayak off the eastern coast of New Zealand, he floated for countless days and nights on seven seas before being washed up on an island inhabited only by stunning 4 feet tall chickens, and how he was feted as a god, and .... BORING!
What is possibly slightly more interesting is that he has talked me into taking on another adventure. No dumping surf this time. Instead it’s the northern mountains of Vietnam nestled up against the Chinese border.
My own initial reluctance quickly evaporated with the revelation that it would be in support of an extremely worthwhile cause... fundraising for the Oncology Children's Foundation (OCF).
The OCF is an Australian charity dedicated to finding cures for specific childhood cancers. They raise money to fund research programs with the sole objective of finding cures for those cancers with the lowest survival rates.
The fight to find cures for childhood cancer is one of medicine’s greatest success stories. Fifty years ago only two percent of children with cancer survived. That figure has now risen to 80 percent. A sustained and growing investment in research is allowing earlier diagnosis, better treatments and fewer side effects.
OCF is focused on finding cures for particular childhood cancers such as Brain Tumours and Neuroblastoma. Almost half of children with these types of cancer are still losing their battle. This is an outcome that OCF is determined to improve by funding some of Australia’s best childhood cancer researchers.
Committed as they are to giving every child with cancer the opportunity to grow up and live their dreams, I feel obliged to show my support and in this I am seeking yours.
As someone who in my younger years was less appreciative than I should have been of a wonderful upbringing with good health, and as someone who still carries a lot of that ‘child’ with me, I can only imagine what it would have been like to miss out. Every child deserves a tomorrow.
Each year in Australia, 700 children are diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, 200 will not survive. We can make a difference. With Sydney Swans stars, past and present, in Jared Crouch, Matthew Nicks and Ryan O’Keefe, half a dozen ordinary people (and Gonzo), will embark on what my limited training to-date, promises will be a torturous journey through remote and mountainous terrain.
The mountain scenery, timeless villages and colourful hill tribes will offer some respite from an itinerary threatening days of 80km with “almost vertical” climbs along dirt roads. The true value however will be in the support we can give the OCF and the children it is striving to save.
Gonzo will once again be willing me on, and I aim to share the story and pictures with anyone who may be interested. I would simply request that if you are enjoying the account, that you consider making a donation. Whatever size, it will be appreciated. I will also be publishing the account of the concluding two days of my 2,200km kayak odyssey if it looks like we’re approaching our target of raising $7,500 for the OCF!
Gonzo after another torturous training session.
Please reflect on how fortunate you’re life has been in comparison to the 200 children who never get the opportunity to live life’s adventure. Think of the joy that their families miss out on without that opportunity, and if you, like me, feel just a little bit fortunate, then please join me in giving a little.
Thank you.
Gynes
