A Tasmanian man diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer last year is about to take on an extraordinary 550-kilometre run from the bottom of the state to the top.
Matt Duggan was training for his first marathon when he received the life-changing news in April last year.
Now, after months of treatment, he’s not only back on track, but he has already doubled his $20,000 fundraising target for Cancer Council Tasmania.
“I was 36 and continually got told that I was too young to have bowel cancer,” Duggan said.
“I want to get that message into the younger generation that this could happen to you and to know the symptoms so you can get checked out.”
“It’s one of those cancers that if you do get it early, it’s very treatable.”
After putting his marathon dreams on hold during treatment, Duggan is now gearing up for the challenge of running from Cockle Creek to Stanley in just 12 days, starting this weekend.
“Just looking forward to getting it happening and getting at Cockle Creek 7.30 on Saturday morning and hit the road,” he said.
According to Cancer Council Tasmania, bowel cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the state and the second deadliest.
Duggan’s story has struck a chord with people across Tasmania, helping him blow past his original fundraising goal.
The money raised will go towards Cancer Council Tasmania’s work in cancer prevention, research and support services for those affected.
