Romain Francez

I'm stepping up against cancer!

I'm a soldier with the 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, and this year our unit is putting a team together for the Sutherland Shire Relay for Life.

Relay for Life is a 24-hour event where teams take turns walking laps around a track through the day and night. The idea is that cancer never sleeps, so neither does the relay. We'll be out there rotating through laps and keeping someone on the track the whole time.

As a personal challenge, I'm aiming to walk at least a full marathon distance (42.2 km) continuously with a 25 kg pack on my back.

Cancer doesn't discriminate. It hits families, mates, and communities without warning, and most of us have seen it up close. I have too. It's one of those things where you feel like you should be able to do something about it, and Relay is a straightforward way to actually do that.

The funds raised go to Cancer Council for research, support services like the 13 11 20 line, and prevention programs. All of it matters.

I've set myself a goal of $1,000. I've already put my own money in, but I'd appreciate any support you can throw behind it. Every donation over $2 is tax deductible, and it all goes toward helping people who are dealing with something no one should have to face alone.

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance if you're able to chip in.