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By Alison Anis
?When there is a will, there is a way?..? is perhaps an overused clichי in the English vocabulary but when it comes to Australia?s cancer sufferer, Richard Thompson, this time, it is justified.
Since diagnosed with cancer 7 yeas ago, Richard opted to raise funds for the Sunshine Coast?s Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre at Buderim. It has almost become an inevitable dream for Richard whose situation may have caused him to realize the importance of a cancer help centre. It is now his desire and the driving force behind his dream to help raise funds for the centre?
And he planned to do just that by walking one of the world?s most hazardous treks ? the renowned Kokoda Track. Richard foresaw the idea of walking the historical track with one-time British athlete and world champion runner, Steve Ovett due to arrive in PNG two weeks from now.
Sadly enough, certain medical implications would not allow the determined Richard to take up the track challenge as heart-wrenching news of his sudden illness was announced. According to medical reports, Richard?s cancer has taken an aggressive form which now has totally barred him from walking the track.
naoro.JPGBut his dream soon to be achieved through his team of four trekkers who have realized the significance of the trek. And while he battles cancer at his hospital bed in Australia, former English Olympic champion runner Steve Ovett, Ross, his brother John and myself (Alison Anis – volunteered to walk in his place) will take up the challenge of reliving history along PNG’s 96km rugged Kokoda Track, raising funds for Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre.
At the age of 38, Richard was diagnosed with multiple myeloma – a cancer which destroys bone marrow and bones and usually affects the elderly.
It is with both regret and sadness that I write this article, however on the other hand I am also very privileged and honored to do so.
I regret that Richard is unable to make it to the track and saddened by the fact that he is in hospital fighting for his life. Before his cancer situation took a serious form last month, Richard prepared hard for Kokoda. His brother John, reported that they have been running up some difficult hills outside Brisbane and Richard was “really doing it tough.”
Taking the time for a swim at Crystal Rapids near Sogeri while out training for the Kokoda Trail:
Alison_at_Crystal_Rapids.jpgHowever, I am indeed both very privileged and honored to be the one walking in his place and not only that, but I am also to wear his T’- Shirt and write a diary for him every step of the way.
I volunteered to take Richard’s place on Kokoda Track after I heard of his appalling condition. Prior to this, I have already known that he was suffering from cancer for some time – but has somehow courageously opted to accomplish his dream in raising funds for Bloomhill care centre by walking the infamous trek.
Reading about his original arrangements for the charity walk along the trek as a cancer sufferer, drew instant admiration for Richard. Would you know of anybody suffering from cancer for a very long time who would want to walk such a horrendous track?
Months passed and just five weeks before September 28, (the day for trekking) I was shocked to hear that Richard was in a more serious condition than before and was under treatment at the hospital. I simply didn’t know what to say when I received the news of his condition from my boss (Gail Thomas) who’s been conversing with Richard via e-mail for months.
Richard Thompson:
Richard_Thompson…very_ill_with_Multiple_Myeloma.jpgIt was at this instant that I suddenly realized how significant this was for him ? given his condition ? in achieving that dream.
So even before anyone knew about it I already had my hand up to walk in his place. Yes I volunteered and simply did so Richard could be able to have something to smile about ? that though he was not able to walk, he did accomplished his dream. I know how important, raising A$200,000 for Bloomhill Cancer Help Centre is to Richard.
I really don?t know what is in store for me at Kokoda. I have heard experiences of intense physical pain felt both on the knees or legs by those who have endured the arduous trail of Kokoda.
So to be on the safe side, I have engaged myself in some very serious training, such as running up and down some pretty steep hills, riding bike, and walking a distance of about 2km each day from Ela Beach to Gordons.
Yesterday (13/09/03), my training heightened when Eric Uwea, my personal trainer took me out hiking some very steep mountains along Sogeri Road.
As his brother John simply puts it: ?This is Richard?s dream and we will realize it for him.? Yes, and that is going to be Steve, John and Ross including myself – the team with a mission – to ensure Richard's vision is fulfilled through nine-days Kokoda trekking.
Ends..//
Alison as she boards the aircraft with other team members on the 28th September, 2003. Monday 6th October, 2003 the team is expected back here in Port Moresby:
Team_about_to_board.jpgNo doubt Alison will have lots of stories to tell, so STAY TUNED!
Photograph: Booking in at Jackson's Airport:
Book_In.jpg
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