Next Sunday, March 24, will see a crowd of sun-protected locals marching around Bicentennial Park in Tamworth to raise awareness and funds for one of Australia’s deadliest cancers – melanoma.
Organised by volunteer committees impacted by melanoma, the Melanoma March events raise vital funds for melanoma research, which will also impact other cancers, and provide an opportunity for patients and families to come together to support each other and remember those lost to the disease. Jennifer Durante from Melanoma Institute Australia says the major fundraising event has been running for 13 years nationally, and this is the third year the walk has taken place in Tamworth.
“We have 24 events happening across the country, with thousands of people participating,” Jennifer said.
“The Tamworth event last year had upwards of 50 people and we are hoping for as many, if not more, to attend this year.”
Australia has the highest melanoma rates in the world. One person is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes and one person dies from the disease every 6 hours. Jennifer says that with Melanoma Institute Australia’s Co-Medical Directors, Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO, being named 2024 Australians of the Year there is a huge focus on melanoma in the community right now, but it’s important to remember it’s not a beach disease.
“For regional areas like Tamworth, melanoma is a huge issue too.”
One of the key organisers of the March for Melanoma in Tamworth in Tamworth is Anne Brook, whose son Adam is a stage III melanoma survivor.
“Anne is doing this to raise awareness of melanoma and is doing a great job,” Jennifer said.
“All our events are organised by volunteers, and it’s great to have those local committees working to make these events happen.”
The Tamworth Melanoma March is on Bicentennial Park on Kable Avenue next Sunday, March 24, from 10am to 11.30am. All participants are required to register online before arriving at the event. Participation is $40 per adult, $20 for children with kids under 5 being free. A family ticket is also available. Find out more or donate to support a friend doing the walk at https://tamworth.melanomamarch.org.au/
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