Fighting cancer requires a team effort and a determined approach so the crew at Raine & Horne Helensburgh are putting their best feet forward to raise funds for research and treatment.

They have joined the Cancer Council’s March Charge which involves being sponsored to walk or run a certain number of kilometres as a group or individually.

“The March Charge is a fun, 31-day fitness challenge that has an enormous impact on how cancer is researched and treated,” said a spokesperson for the Cancer Council.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for staff to get away from the screens, get active and improve overall health and wellbeing.”

Raine & Horne Helensburgh’s Office Administrator, Alana Humphries, found the cause close to her heart.

Just before Christmas last year one of her family members was diagnosed with cancer, which was successfully removed.

“As soon as you hear the word cancer, you just think the worst and you start to picture a life without that person,” said Alana who studies Public Health at Western Sydney University. 

When she saw the March Charge advertised on Facebook, she thought this would be a perfect opportunity to help others who may not be able to afford treatment and the ongoing costs.

“There are so many people who suffer years of treatment and I can’t imagine what a toll that would take on the person and their families, mentally and financially,” Alana said.

“So we are going to do what we can to raise money and awareness for all the difference cancers out there.”

All five staff members will participate in the Challenge, including Principal Julie York, and will go on team walks at lunchtime as well as individually.

“We’re also recruiting family members to join us,” Alana said.

The goal is to complete 85km and raise $3000 during March. 

“At the rate we are going with donations and motivation, I think we can smash this!”

The Cancer Council has been hard hit during the Covid-19 pandemic with limited fundraising opportunities and faces a drop of more than $20 million in funding this year.

The Council spokesperson said the organisation would have to reduce funding to new research grants by about 70% “which could set back research progress in some areas and delay the development of vital new treatments for people diagnosed with cancer in the coming years”. 

“By walking or running for the Cancer Council this March and raising funds, participants will help us Charge ahead with cancer research.”

To sponsor, visit the March Charge website.

Raine & Horne Helensburgh also backs Supported Accommodation & Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI), which was extremely grateful for all the donations and presents over the Christmas period. Raine & Horne is still accepting donations in support of SAHSSI, which primarily cares for women and children.