Maidstone resident Darren Matthews will walk 10 kilometres to work next week to raise money for the Cancer Council. 69824 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Charlene Gatt
DARREN Matthews is no stranger to cancer.
The Maidstone resident has seen his mother-in-law battle various cancers over the past 14 years, including breast cancer and secondary cancer in her back.
“She’s had a double mastectomy and a vertebrae in her back has been removed,” Mr Matthews said.
“It kind of just keeps coming back. She’s really strong.”
The ordeal means his wife Rebecca now has an increased risk of developing cancer.
“My wife gets regular checks and that sort of stuff because she’s very wary that it could happen.”
Mr Matthews will be pulling on his runners and leaving for work extra early next week when he completes his first Cancer Council Walk to Work.
Mr Matthews, who works on La Trobe St in the city, estimates the 10 kilometre walk will take him about two-and-a-half hours to complete.
“I thought it was far enough to get sponsors, but not far enough to ruin my Friday,” he laughed.
“It will be a bit of an early start.”
Next Friday, 16 September will be the 13th annual Cancer Council Walk to Work Day, which will help raise funds for cancer research, support and services.
About 30 per cent of cancers can be prevented through living a healthy lifestyle, according to the Cancer Council.
To sponsor Mr Matthews, go to www.gofundraise.com.aupagedarrenmatthews
