A Tasmanian father who endured stage three bowel cancer is preparing to run the length of the state, saying the challenge of completing more than a marathon a day for ten days is nothing compared to the fight for his life.
“People think running 55 kilometres a day is hard, but chemo is the most challenging … the worst year of my life that I’ve had to endure,” Matt Duggan told Pulse.
“So if I can stop other people going through what I went through then that’s the whole aim.”
The 38-year-old from Huonville was diagnosed in April 2024, after initially being told his symptoms were likely minor due to his age.
Following surgery, doctors discovered a 10-centimetre tumour in his bowel. He then underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy over six months.
Now cancer-free, Duggan is gearing up to run from Stanley to Cockle Creek over 10 days, starting May 1, to raise awareness and funds for bowel cancer research.
“I hope to reach as many people as possible, encouraging early detection and reducing the stigma around bowel cancer, especially in young people,” he said.
Duggan will average about 55 kilometres a day, finishing with a gruelling 90-kilometre stretch from Huonville to Cockle Creek.
It’s the second time he has taken on the feat.
Last year, he ran the route in reverse over 12 days, raising $126,000 for Cancer Council Tasmania.
This year, he is fundraising for Bowel Cancer Australia.
He said his mission also carries a message of hope – that it’s possible to return to a healthy life after treatment.
Duggan said bowel cancer, once seen as an older person’s disease, is increasingly affecting younger Australians, including people in their 20s and even teenagers.
The route will see him finish each day in Burnie, Ulverstone, Deloraine, Launceston, Campbell Town, Oatlands, Brighton, Huonville and Cockle Bay.
Rohan Barwick will join him for the entire run this time, after joining in for a stint last year.
To donate and keep up to date, visit his Facebook page.
