STANTHORPE’S Ian Robins is not letting prostate cancer slow him down, in fact it’s inspiring him to trek Australia with his wife and some dedicated supporters.
Christine and Ian Robins are set to trek more than 16,000 km around Australia to raise money for prostate and breast cancer.
The 16,000km walk is expected to take 14 months, and will get underway from Stanthorpe in May this year with the couple expecting not to return home until July 2016.
With a cheery smile and absolute dedication, the couple have decided that, since Ian has prostate cancer, the best way to combat cancer is to fund the finding of a cure and to promote the cause as far and as wide as possible.
Backed by Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith, Ian and Christine feel their messages of hope and health promotion will reach more people if they fund-raise through a major event that cannot be ignored.
“So on Saturday 2 May at 8am, the Southern Downs Regional Council mayor Peter Blundell will officially begin our walk from the Stanthorpe Piazza,“ Ian said.
“As I am still receiving treatment, I will be a driver, however Christine and a number of other Stanthorpe people including Sonia and Eddie Tiller, Heidi Kuziw and Dennis Sanders, will walk about 42 kilometres per day.
“We anticipate taking about 14 months to complete the 16,000 kilometre walk around Australia.
“Our route will take us from Stanthorpe to Cairns, across to Darwin and the west coast and then back to Queensland.
“As the Walk for Life Team enter towns and cities we plan to have events to highlight the two causes and to invite the public to talk about their own experiences.
“We also hope to play a role in promoting early detection.
“Our aim is to inspire those suffering the effects of these debilitating cancers and their carers.
“It will certainly be an adventure and we feel we will gain so much by travelling our nation and, as the old saying goes, walking the walk and talking the talk.”
Ian said he and Christine were absolutely delighted that Dick Smith had come on board and supported the Walk for Life.
“Dick Smith is a great supporter of many causes and he saw the worth in this one. His office said he would attend along part of the walk and we are confirming where and when that will be soon.
“Another major sponsor for our Walk for Life is Cairns Best Freight with owners Dave and Jenny West very generous in their support.
“We of course really welcome other sponsors and supporters to be part of the Walk for Life. Contact us on 0416 169 032,“ he said.
