6 Million steps in the fight against childhood cancer
The incredible journey of a South African determined to make a difference.
Peter Dunn is embarking on a back-breaking journey to raise awareness and funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation SA (CHOC) in the fight against childhood cancer.
The hike will take a gruelling six million steps to complete over a five-month period in which Peter will test his abilities to the maximum to signify the gruelling and unforgiving journey that children with cancer undertake in their fight against the disease. Peter, who lost his mom and the six-year-old son of very special friends to cancer, has a score to settle.
“I am planning to hike The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which starts at the Mexican border in a town called Campo, California, and traverses the length of the United States of America – through California, Oregon and Washington – ending at Manning Park, British Columbia, Canada,” said Peter.
“I want to take people on this harsh journey to symbolise the incredible courage of the countless children who are fighting this terrible disease so bravely,” he said.
“The aim is to raise awareness so that every parent out there knows what the early warning signs of childhood cancer are and to raise funds to help CHOC in its efforts to support families whose children are fighting for their lives.”
Fewer people have hiked the entire PCT than have climbed Mount Everest, and with all the undulating ascents and descents, the hike is the equivalent of almost 15 ascents of Mt Everest from sea level.
Peter’s flight tickets have been booked and he is set to start his mammoth task on Tuesday, 10 April 2018. “I want to use the opportunity to encourage everyone to support my efforts by donating to CHOC.”
“We are truly honoured and grateful to Peter for partnering with CHOC as we rely on individuals and corporates for funding,” said Zelda Zukiswa Jacobs, Communications Manager at CHOC. “The funds raised through this initiative will go towards our programmes of support such as psycho-social services, training and awareness of the early warning signs of childhood cancer, accommodation close to treatment centres around the country, transport to ensure that no child abandons treatment because the family is unable to afford the transport costs, food parcels as we recognise the financial difficulties families often face, parent to parent support groups, and recreational activities,” explained Zelda.
To get involved, visit 6 million steps (https://6millionsteps.co.za/) and follow Peter’s journey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. But most of all: support CHOC by donating and making sure you know what the early warning signs of childhood cancer are.
“I am doing this for those special little souls who would really want to be out and about, but just can’t. I hope that every step I take on this trail will be worth a thousand steps forwards for each of the little warriors fighting the fights of their lives. Join me on my journey to help beat childhood cancer, one step at a time,” concluded Peter.
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