Walking is known to have many physical benefits, but on Saturday the benefit was to help those living with cancer in Gunnedah.
People joined the ‘Can Do The Distance’ walk and talk event around the Gunnedah Golf Club on Saturday morning to raise money for Can Assist.
The charity aims to ease the burden of cancer on country families through financial assistance.
Often those living in rural, regional or remote areas will endure financial burden caused by travel, accommodation and medical costs.
A small but impactful number of people showed up for the event organised by Rural Fit on Saturday.
Exercise physiologist Nikki Morrison said the aim was not only to raise money for the charity but also to encourage cancer discussion.
“So many people are affected by this awful condition and disease,” she said. “[We want to be] able to assist in any way we can, especially because Can Assist stays local with the funds.
“Just helping out people that might need extra assistance to get treatment, or they have to [travel].
“Most people know someone who’s affected, so it’s great to be able to give back a bit.”
All funds raised on the Saturday along with donations received online and in house, will make its way to the Gunnedah Can Assist branch.
While there was no goal amount of money to reach, it provided the opportunity to raise money and discuss cancer’s impact on country communities.
“[We are] just looking at getting the word out and trying to get as much as we can together for them,” she said.
Gunnedah was not the only town to participate. Tamworth had their ‘Can Do The Distance’ with Kevin Anderson MP joining the walk.
Gunnedah Can Assist recently announced on Facebook that in the past 12 months, the branch provided $74,210 to locals with cancer and helped 22 new patients.
