Having the facility here is certainly easier on families
- Dave Sampson
A long stroll around the Border in spring will help a facility that reduces the kilometres cancer sufferers need to travel for treatment.
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The inaugural Sunshine Walk on November 24 will raise money and awareness for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
Starting at Albury's Hovell Tree Park, the 20 kilometre route will loop around Belvoir Park in Wodonga as well as winding through South and East Albury, including past the centre itself.
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Launching the walk on Friday, trust board member John Watson said the event, part of the centre's annual fundraising Sunshine Week (November 18-24), would assist research, staffing and equipment.
"It's not a race, it's definitely a walk and a chat, meet friends and really get involved," he said.
"The beauty about it is every dollar we raise here goes to that centre.
"So it doesn't go externally, it's going to things that are really hands-on that our community can see, that our patients can see."
Participants are encouraged to seek donations and set a fundraising goal of at least $500 while a shorter 5km walk will also be available.
Wangaratta's Hayden Sampson, 16, already has his team organised as family and friends rallied around the teenager following his diagnosis of testicular cancer about four months ago.
After three rounds of chemotherapy and major surgery, Hayden has just received the all-clear.
His father Dave said the experience proved taxing on the whole family, but the trip to Albury was less draining than all the way to Melbourne each time.
"We travelled every couple of days, looking after the kids and trying to keep the normality at home, so we're not all too interrupted," Mr Sampson said.
"Having the facility here is certainly easier on families."
Cristy Jacka and her daughter Lucy, 9, of Albury, remain grateful their late husband and father Karl could receive treatment at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre near loved ones.
"Everyone was able to still come and see him," Mrs Jacka said.
"It was totally less isolating and it allowed everyone to be part of our journey.
"Our support network when we needed them so it was great to have them here."
The Sunshine Walk finish line will feature jumping castles, face painting, live entertainment and a chill zone.
More details at walk.sunshineweek.org.au.
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