World cycling legend gets behind cancer research Posted on October 8, 2010February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit World-renowned cyclist and seven-time winner of the Tour De France, Lance Armstrong, has come to the aid of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). Recently, the champion who had his own health scare several years back when he battled testicular cancer, signed a t-shirt given to him by one of our awesome supporters, Adelaide nurse Mark Gibbens. The signed t-shirt is to be auctioned by the ACRF to raise funds for vital cancer research. Gibbens wore the shirt on his “Cure Cancer Challenge” trek last year and presented it for a signature by Armstrong when the champion cyclist was in Australia on his “Tour Down-under” in January and February 2010. Gibbens, a registered nurse, husband and father of one, walked a staggering 5300 KM from Perth to Sydney to raise funds for cancer research in 2009. His marathon walk was a tribute to a close friend and mentor who died from cancer in 2007, as well as all of the cancer patients (and their loved ones) that he has encountered during his time as a nurse. Gibbens, who was in Sydney last week to attend the Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health, dropped into the ACRF office to generously donate the t-shirt signed by Lance Armstrong and offer his encouragement for our work in raising funds for cancer research.Previously Gibbens had undertaken a 3000-kilometre walk in Japan where he raised major awareness in a campaign against the dangers of smoking. The story and pictures of Mark’s ACRF walk were presented at the recent conference. Nice one Mark! Keep checking our website for further details on the auction of the Gibbens “Cure for Cancer” t-shirt signed by legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong. Read more about Mark and his Cure Cancer Challenge.
Nurse walks across 4 states from Perth to Sydney for cancer research Posted on May 26, 2009February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Mark Gibbens’ motivation to walk 5300KM from Perth to Sydney, raising funds for cancer research, is a tribute to his close friend and mentor who died from cancer in 2007. It is also to honour all of the cancer patients (and their loved ones) that he has cared for as a nurse. In addition to raising much needed funds, Mark has dedicated each day of his walk to people who have experience with cancer. [nggallery id=23] Mark’s journey began in Perth on the 22nd February, and has finished in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. As Mark walked across four Australian states, he chose a cancer charity in each state to be beneficiaries of his fundraising efforts. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) was his chosen charity in New South Wales and Chief Executive, David Brettell, greeted Mark as he completed his journey at Sydney Children’s Hospital on Tuesday (May 19th). The official finish was marked with a welcome morning tea at the nearby Children’s Cancer Instutute of Australia in Randwick (Sydney), attended by ACRF representatives and supporters, and cancer researcher Dr. Michelle Henderson. Celebrating its 25th year, the ACRF has awarded $55 million in cancer research grants, two thirds ($37 million) in just the last five years. Last year ACRF awarded a $3.1 million grant to the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for a state-of-the-art drug discovery laboratory working on targeted cancer drugs to lessen the impact of chemotherapy on children and young adults. Mark also raised funds in Western Australia for the Children’s Leukemia and Cancer Research Foundation, in South Australia for McGuinness McDermott Foundation and in Victoria for the Prostate Cancer Research Consortium. Mark has undertaken a 3000km walk in Japan previously and raised awareness of the dangers of smoking. Click here for Mark’s early insights on the WA/SA border.
Endurance walk continues for the ACRF Posted on March 1, 2009February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit Ringing in by mobile phone on his trek from near the Western Australian/South Australian border, the walker said he was 28 Kilometers west of the small town of Eucla. “I am feeling fine. The feet are a little sore. I spend my time doing a lot of thinking about life, politics, religion, love, the universe, everything really,’’ he said. “I do miss my family but it is all worth it because funds raised will go to several “great institutions” including the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. “I am eating a lot of baked beans and tuna and have covered about 1900 Kilometers pushing a converted baby buggy. I have just got mobile phone coverage back so that is greet news.’’Gibbens – a registered nurse, husband and father of one – said he was on track to venture a staggering 5300 KM from Perth to Sydney to raise funds for Cancer Research. He has named his fundraiser the “Cure Cancer Challenge” Gibbens’ motivation is a tribute to his close friend and mentor who died from cancer in 2007, as well as all of the cancer patients (and their loved ones) that he has encountered during his time as a nurse. [nggallery id=23] “I get a lot of trucks honk their horns as they drive by and a lot of people are stopping to wish me well and offer me water,’’ he said. “I have also collected more than $3000 in roadside donations which is just fantastic.’’He said he was proving regular radio updates for ABC Perth which was closely monitoring his walk.’’ Gibbens said he hoped to make it to Adelaide in about 18 days and then Sydney a month after that. As Mark is walking across four Australian states, he has chosen a cancer charity in each state to be the beneficiaries of his fundraising. ACRF has been the chosen charity for NSW. Funds will be raised in Western Australia for the Children’s Leukemia and Cancer Research Foundation Inc, in South Australia to the McGuinness McDermott Foundation, in Victoria to the Prostate Cancer Research Consortium and in New South Wales to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF). Gibbens has decided to dedicate each day to a person or people with experience of cancer. You can nominate a person for his dedication walk either through this blog. At the start of his journey the Children’s Leukemia and Cancer Research Foundation organized a send off party from Princess Margaret Hospital Perth with notable patron ex-Australian cricket star Justin Langer, some Subiaco Footballers and several kids with cancer. In Adelaide, Mark said he plans a walk through the city, a stop at the Children’s Hospital and then a walk around the Adelaide Crows Football stadium during the teams match there against fellow AFL side St Kilda. More promotions and events are being planned for both Melbourne and Sydney. Further updates of Mark’s remarkable journey will be added on to the ACRF website during the walk. To nominate someone for a dedication, click here
