The loved ones we walk for

Harrison's story

Hi, my name is Harrison, and I am raising money for Cancer Council.

I am doing this because last year my mum died from bowel cancer.

Walking in his mum's footsteps

I am doing the 7 Bridges Walk with my dad, which is a 28 km walk on Sunday 25th October 2026.

I’m hoping to raise $1,000.

My mum did the walk twice, and I want to do it for the first time this year.

If you would like to help sponsor me, you can do so on this page.

Thank you for your support for me and everyone else who has been impacted by cancer. 

Alison and Ray's story

My name's Ray, I'm reaching out as one of your fellow members of this pretty special Cancer Council community about this year's 7 Bridges Walk.

I'm really looking forward to sharing one of my favourite days of the year with you and thousands of walkers like you as we take steps to tackle cancer.

While there's a lot of celebration, it’s also a time for my friends and family to come together and walk in honour of my late wife, Alison. Sharing the day together is a wonderful way for us to remember her.

Beautiful Alison

Alison’s smile was always one to light up a room.

My beautiful wife was a truly special human being, strong, kind, and an amazing mother to our two children. 

Alison loved 7 Bridges Walk

She was also an avid walker, and in 2022 she took part in Cancer Council’s 7 Bridges Walk.

When she was out there raising money for people impacted by cancer, she had no idea she was about to be diagnosed with cancer herself.

I had no idea that less than a year later, I’d lose the love of my life.

Alison loved taking part in 7 Bridges Walk, which is why I keep walking, now it's in her memory. And I’d love for you to join me. 

Diagnosed at 40 years old

Just after Alison’s 40th birthday, she started feeling unwell. On Christmas morning, her doctor shared the devastating news that Alison had stage 3 Bowel Cancer which had spread to her lungs. Her first major surgery was on Boxing Day (our daughter’s birthday). 

Alison never gave up. She faced rounds of chemo and surgeries, she fought to be a part of our lives as long as she could. No matter how much pain she was in, she still managed that stunning smile.

As she started to improve, we all hoped she was over the worst of it. 

Unfortunately, her recovery was short lived, and she made her final goodbyes just eight months after being diagnosed. 

I miss her every minute, but taking part in the 7 Bridges Walk, surrounded by people who loved her, and helping people impacted by cancer, is a beautiful way to honour her. 

Matt’s story

Getting diagnosed at 28

Matt was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2025 at the age of 28.

After noticing a lump and “feeling off”, he sought medical advice and was subsequently diagnosed. 

Describing his experience as a “whirlwind”, Matt underwent two surgeries and chemotherapy to treat the cancer.  

He’s now in remission and focused on rebuilding his fitness. Part of this included taking part in the 2025 7 Bridges Walk after he finished chemo. 

Team Mattitude doing the walk

Matt signed up for the walk to join his friends who participated in his honour. 

“My motivation for walking in the Seven Bridges Walk was to say thank you for all the support I received throughout my treatment. It was also a chance to challenge myself and raise money for a cause that means a lot to me. More than anything, it was a way to show appreciation for everyone who helped me during my diagnosis and recovery,” said Matt. 

“What I enjoyed most was the supportive atmosphere. There were people cheering you on, music playing, and villages along the route where you could stop for food and take a break. It felt like a moving celebration throughout the day.”