COVID-19 is not the only disease that affects our community so the Cancer Council will still host the annual Women's 5km Walk/Run this year, despite pandemic restrictions.
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The event, "Do It For Her," will be delivered virtually, allowing participants to do their 5km over a course of three days in whatever location they wish.
Cancer Council Tasmania's event manager Melanie Knight said she was excited that the event could proceed in 2020, with the virtual avenue allowing wider access for people to take part.
Participant Nick Hookway, who lost his mother-in-law to cancer two years ago, said he had been interested in taking part in the event in the past, but was unsure if he should as it was labelled "women's". Now he is encouraging men to take part too.
"Men, sign up, get involved, there is still time to do it," he said. "This isn't a women's only event and we want to be able to all get together and support women."
Mr Hookway said it was important to raise awareness about cancer research and the need for further funding in these areas but also to spread the message that if caught early enough, many cancers could be preventable.
In other news:
More than 3200 Tasmanians are diagnosed with cancer each year and that number is only expected to increase.
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the event was a great way to remember people who have been touched by cancer, raise awareness, and raise funds for the Cancer Council who support those with cancer and their families.
Ms Courtney encouraged all Tasmanians to put on a pair of sneakers, grab a mate, and register for the event.
"Events such as this are really important to be able to raise that awareness for people, make sure you are getting screened for cancers, make sure you're encouraging loved ones to be screened, but it also builds awareness to the services that are available," she said.
Cancer Council Tasmania is hoping to raise $110,000 with more than $90,000 already donated.
Participants can clock their distance anytime from September 11 until Septemer 13 at 4pm. Entry is $25 per participant. To register: www.womens5k.org.au.