Mr Whitty and a group of friends will complete the Albury to Goolwa trek in an effort to help Breast Screen Victoria bring attention to the signs, symptoms and impacts of breast cancer.
As Shauna is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer, it’s a journey and a goal that carries deep personal significance for Mr Whitty.
The journey coincides with the 70th anniversary of when Frank Tuckwell first encountered a canoeist paddling into Goolwa, fresh from an epic journey along the Darling River.
The group aim to complete their journey in time for celebratory festivities at the Islanders Tavern on Hindmarsh Island on Tuesday, October 29.
“That historic meeting (between Frank Tuckwell and the canoeist) sparked a legacy of adventure, inspiring countless individuals to navigate Australia’s rivers in a variety of craft - ranging from kayaks and boats, to paddle boards and even pumpkins,” Mr Whitty said.
“For every adventurer who conquers the lengths of the Murray and Darling, Tuckwell has been there to etch their names into the record books.
“But this journey isn’t merely a race against time; it’s a heartfelt campaign to stress the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
“It is a sobering statistic that one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
“So ladies, if you have six friends who don’t have breast cancer, it’s time to get checked.”
While many fundraising efforts focus on financial contributions, Mr Whitty said his challenge is rooted in education and awareness.
“We aren’t raising funds; we are an awareness campaign and we want to inspire people to prioritise their health and get checked.”
To learn more about breast cancer signs and symptoms, and what pathways to take to be tested, go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website, nbcf.org.au.
