Why Brian Stace is doing it for cancer!
Most adults know several who have been affected by cancer, or have themselves been affected by it.
Helen, my wife of over 50 years, died in June 2023 of ovarian cancer. She loved bushwalking and continued walking through her treatment (over 3 years). Walking post-diagnosis gave her an enjoyable quality of life in the face of a terminal diagnosis. I am confident that her relative fitness extended that quality of life even during the palliative care stage, and probably extended her life. I have also recently been treated for cancer on a vocal cord.
I created this personal challenge (I am 77) of completing over 50 walks in under 50 days (including travel, rest and restock) in Helen’s memory. Almost all the walks are ones she has done and are among her favourites. She did 35 of them (several more than once) after her treatment started.
The objectives of this project
are:
1. To raise money for cancer, primarily for the Cancer Council Tasmania but it will contribute 15% of the funds raised to Ovarian Cancer Australia.
2. To raise awareness of the:
· health benefits of exercise and general fitness for a wide range of current chronic or significant health conditions whether physical or mental with an emphasis on cancer, and
· mental/emotional health benefits of being in nature.
3. To promote walking as an enjoyable, affordable and accessible health giving activity in which most people can readily participate.
Join the project’s Facebook group ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/753443253288814 ) or search Facebook for “Walking 4 Health & Helen”) for more information about the project and daily updates. A copy of the walks’ schedule is available in the “featured” section of that page. You can also find info on how I selected the walks and count walks and days and on Helen & my backstory in those “featured” posts.
At the end of the 50 days I had completed 67 walks, well exceeding my target. This website remains open for further donations.
To donate, if you are using a computer use the panel to the right, if using a phone, click the "Donate" button under my name (don't click the "join me" button that is under the "donate' button). When donating, why not add your own short message? - especially if there is someone you want to remember by your donation. Scroll to the bottom to see all my wonderful donors - there are now so many and I am "on the track" so I do not have time to provide personal thanks to you all, so thank you all very much.
A special thank you to my major corporate sponsors for your support for this project:
Viridian Advisory (https://viridianadvisory.com.au/ ) is an independent national financial advice firm with its Tasmanian office in Burnie. It operates its own charitable organisation the Viridian Foundation (https://viridianfoundation.org.au/). Helen and I are long term clients. Viridian’s Tasmanian office has run a Bunnings sausage sizzle as a fundraiser for this project and has promoted the project to all its Tasmanian clients and employees as worthy of donations from them. The Viridian Foundation has contributed $700. The total so raised and contributed (as at 26/4/24) is $2,242.
Shree Dental and Implant Center (Devonport) (https://www.shreefamilydentalcare.com.au/ ) has been the very supportive dental practice for both of us since its inception. They have donated $2,000 and will promote the project to staff and patients for further donations. Thank you very much Sanjay and Mina.
Health Care Insurance Ltd (https://www.hciltd.com.au/ ) is a Burnie headquartered Australian not-for-profit health insurance fund of which I was a director from 1994-2005. HCI has donated $1,500 and is promoting the project to its members.
Suncamper
MotorHomes (https://suncampermotorhomes.com.au/ )
manufactured our motorhome which will be used for all the project’s travel.
Helen and I had about 10 years exploring Australia (including remote areas)
often using it as a base for day walks. Once covid and cancer combined it
became even more important enabling us to still get out camping and walking in
Tassie, while still totally self-isolating. It brought joy (and enabled
exercise) to our lives in our darkest time. In addition to donating $1,000,
Suncamper is promoting the project among its customers, past, present
and future, staff and associates within the industry.
Rae & Partners (https://raepartners.com.au/ ) are a major Tasmanian law firm with an office in Devonport. Their Devonport office originated from the law firm of which (many years ago) I was senior and managing partner and in which Helen worked part time as my secretary for 15 years. Management and staff have donated $520.
Please sponsor me to support cancer research and provide vital services for Australians living with cancer.
Brian Stace
My Updates
Objective Achieved
Tuesday 30th Apr My last walks were on Saturday 27th April, day 49. I completed 67 walks by then, having completed 56 of my originally scheduled 58 walks plus another 11 additional ones. Many thanks to those who walked with me or otherwise supported me.
Benefits of exercise in depression and emotional wellbeing
Thursday 14th Mar For a summanry of a recent study into the benefits of exercise (including walking) in the treatment of depression see an ABC report on https://www.abc.net.au/.../best-forms-of.../103577766. For my post on that, including its benefits on my emotional wellbeing see my Facebook post "The Many Benefits of Exercise" lodged 14th March on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/753443253288814 . Share
Effect of exercise (or lack of it)
Saturday 17th Feb On Friday 16th February the Cancer Council Victoria released a major report identifying that physical inactivity had a much greater impact on the chances of getting many more cancers that previously thought. Use this link: New research shows more than three times as many cancers are attributable to physical inactivity than previously estimated - Cancer Council Victoria (cancervic.org.au) ShareThank you to my Supporters
$3.8k
Brian Stace
$2.02k
Claire & Dan
We are so proud to support you Brian in raising much needed funds for such a worthy cause. Helen will be always cherished and remembered. Enjoy the walks!
$2.02k
Anonymous
$1.5k
Brian Stace
$1.5k
Arny Stonkus
Good luck with your wonderful endeavor.
$1.5k
Brian Stace
$1.5k
Hci
A great initiative Brian - good luck!
$1.02k
Susan Stace
Go dad!
$1.02k
Dale
For Helen who resurrected me, one stitch at a time.
$1,000
Suncamper Motorhomes
Go get them Brian! Suncamper Motorhomes are proud to support you on your expedition goal as we believe in you!
$720
Cash Donations
$540
Nik Stace
I wish I could be there to walk with you. As I can’t - I’m donating what I earned from my umpiring pre season games.
$520
Laura Parr
Wonderful story in The Advocate, as forwarded to me by GA Brown. Hope my daughter’s contribution helps a bit. On a personal note, your comments at Bev’s celebration about GABrown being very supportive were well appreciated.
$520
Rae & Partners Devonport
Rae & Partners is proud to support Brian in this worthy cause and fabulous tribute to his beloved Helen. Thanks for all that you have done for us Brian!
$520
Jean Hawkins Dearly Missed
$520
Mig And Graham
$520
Bob Stace
Brian Do it for Helen and do it for Pam. Sorry I cant be there to walk some of the way with you. Bob
$520
Solutions & Outcomes
Goodluck Brian
$500
Henry N S S
All the best Brian! What an awesome effort.
$500
Belinda Cochrane
Inspired by your efforts & in memory of Helen, whom I knew as Sooz' Mum
$500
Brian Stace
my final $ for $ matching of individual donations
$420
Alan Keeley
$420
Di Bourne
Thanks to my friends who gave towards this donation. GO Bro! I look forward to walking with you for this special project.
$420
Arny Stonkus
In memory of Helen.
$316.50
Nathan Brown
$316.50
Anonymous
$263.75
Anonymous
‘Ears to you
$263.75
Sup-ply
Fantastic effort Brian for a very worthy cause. From Steve & Helen Bruce & the team at SUP-PLY Devonport.
$263.75
Eraine & Tony Johnston
Best wishes with the remainer of your inspirational walk program Brian. Helen would be so proud of what you are achieving here. Walk on!
$263.75
Clem & Margaret Dickinson
$250
Michael And Grainne Hendrey
In solidarity. Glad to be part of your undertaking.
$250
Jenni Davidson
Inspirational! Enjoy the walks
$242.65
Rob Hyland
Best wishes to you and all walkers, we enjoy your beautiful photos Regards Rob and Jenny
$242.65
Anonymous
Pleased to share the journey with you mate.
$242.65
Daniel Finucci
Best Wishes!
$242.65
Cheryl
Amazing effort.
$242.65
Ingrid Kuster
Good luck Brian. I hope you raise your funds. I hope Helen recovers from her cancer.
$242.65
Jane W
Special memories of Helen, and admiration to you Brian for your fund-raising journey in her honour.
$242.65
Sha Kumaresan
What an inspiration and such a wonderful way to honor your wife by raising funds for such a great cause ♥️
$242.65
Anonymous
$242.65
Tammy
Good luck! Your generosity, in so many ways, is heart-warming!
$242.65
Michael Duffett
$230
Anna Holdgate
You are inspirational!
$215
Jani Kilmurray
$211
Maureen And Graham
Good luck with the walking but don't think you will need it!
$211
Beverley Adorian
I know how much Helen and you both enjoyed your walks Brian. It is a wonderful thing you are doing. Both Stephan and I support you.
$211
Tony And Margaret Sobolewski
$211
Beryl J C
$211
Kenneth &sandy Michell
Go Brian
$211
Anonymous
In memory of a lovely lady
$200
Brian Stace
$200
Brian & Judy Frappell
Thinking of Helen
$158.25
Tyrepower Devonport
$150
Kurtmoles@hotmail.com Moles
Well done Brian. Glad to be part of your walks
$116.05
Anonymous
$105.50
Brenda Hefferon
Well done Brian for your Comment to this cause.
$105.50
Dimity And Leigh
$105.50
Emma Hazelwood
$105.50
Fransien Otten
$105.50
Kenneth Brown
$105.50
Jane Foote
You are an inspiration to people Brian
$105.50
Georgie And Hutch
Congratulations on your personal achievement, Brian and on the tremendous success of your fundraiser.
$105.50
Noulton Family
The way you’ve channeled your grief to to something so positive is inspiring, Brian. A beautiful way to honour and beautiful lady.
$105.50
David Berechree
Enjoy the walks
$105.50
Anonymous
$105.50
Helen Bruce
So inspiring Brian. All the best!
$105.50
Carol Moss
Congratulations on such a worthwhile project, Brian.
$105.50
Grant Atkins
All the best Brian with this appeal, very worthy cause.
$105.50
Suzanne And Andrew Woolstencroft
$105.50
Dunnings
Cheering you on!
$105.50
Peter Stubbs
$105.50
Susan Ikin
Suc a good cause.
$105.50
Ian Harding
$105.50
Una Nic Ionmhain
$105.50
Rosie Stevens
Great work & for such a good cause.
$105.50
Angelo Abeywickrema
Good luck, Brian!
$105.50
Bob Foulkes
Well done Brian.
$105.50
Yasmin Ashraff
Amazing effort!
$105.50
Meredith England
All the best Brian! Just saw your van at Cradle Mountain. What a lovely tribute to your dear wife and a help to others.
$105.50
Allison Ulph
Dear Brian, thinking of you , as you do this for Helen and many others. Xx Allison and Lawrie.
$100
Physiotas
$100
Brian Stace
$100
Dervla And Jin
Good luck on your journey!
$100
Bronwen Dickinson
$81.24
Joanne Austin
Best wishes Brian from a fellow bushwalker who also believes that fitness is a key to good health.. what a champion you are.
$81.24
Anonymous
In memory of Sue
$52.75
Glen & Jan Hayhurst
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Louise Braddock
$52.75
Brendan Ashman
Meet you at Mt Nelson was inspired by your efforts good luck
$52.75
Georgie Palmer
Thinking of you Brian, well done.
$52.75
Jill Bannon
$52.75
Marylin Jacques
I am a member of MMM Walking Group
$52.75
Bruce Reardon
All the best for the walks Brian.
$52.75
Anonymous
From someone who's supporting a loved one with ovarian cancer currently, thank you for doing this.
$52.75
Michelle Williams
You are amazing- what a beautiful thing to do for your wife. Well done and thank you!!!
$52.75
Ross Harding
Great effort Brian. A wonderful tribute to Helen. Best wishes Ross and Laura
$52.75
Lorgen Scott
$52.75
Tom Wootton
Amazing effort Brian!
$52.75
Kerry Forrest
Well done Brian!
$52.75
Mary&peter
$52.75
Alison Darbyshire
$52.75
Katarina Huett
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Marg Atkins
Wonderful memories of walking with Helen and MMMs
$52.75
Christine Dennis
Well done Brian!
$52.75
Bev & Suren Naiker
Well done Brian! 💚
$52.75
Robin Sullivan
I so admire you for carrying out this project with such determination in memory of Helen. May the walking make you even stronger every day!
$52.75
Felicity Sly
I’ve loved your walk posts ❤️
$52.75
Lai Heng Foong
Great effort! Thank you.
$52.75
Sonya Philip
Congratulations Brian - a fabulous, worthy effort.
$52.75
Tracy Edmonds
A walking love story,
$52.75
Geoffrey Brown
$52.75
Angela Graham
For Helen
$52.75
Anonymous
This Coromandel descendant of F Stachelroth thanks you for your information and wishes you well Brian.
$52.75
Leonie Brown
$52.75
Judith Dawkins
I am lucky to have a clean bill of health 5 years post cancer treatment and would like to support this worthy cause.
$52.75
Judy And Ray Harding
In fond memory of Helen .
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Joyce
I remember Mrs Stace fondly, when I came to visit with Susan.
$52.75
Colin Bell
Good Luck Brian
$52.75
Louise Nott
Impressive effort Brian! For an incredible lady and very worthy cause! Congratulations!
$52.75
Anonymous
What a wonderful idea! Wishing you all the success!
$52.75
Cate Sendall
You’re very inspirational Brian and what a lovely tribute to Helen .
$52.75
Esther Papas
$52.75
Jennifer Tudehope
In honour of Helen. And Brian too - what a great way of celebrating the love of walking in our beautiful state that you had together, as well as raising funds for cancer care, Jenny
$52.75
Ros & Leigh Duffett
$52.75
Karen Brook
$52.75
Alison Chandler
What an amazing way to help others and remember a beautiful and inspirational lady. Go Brian!
$52.75
Janne Lucas
Well done Brian Helen would be very proud, take care of yourself
$52.75
John And Lesley Proctor
Supporting your effort Brian, All the best
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Claire And Jason Dykstra
You are amazing Brian! Very inspiring to see your drive, dedication and energy to honour Helen’s memory and create awareness! Well done!
$52.75
Peter
Best wishes with it all Brian, from Peter and Deb.
$52.75
Elizabeth Richards
I would love to join you when you do the walk around the Don River area.
$50
Anonymous
$50
Sue Boyes
$50
Tj Oliver
$50
Tingting Cao
A small contribution makes life difference
$50
Cash Donation Recived From Virginia
$50
Shona Arnold
$42.20
Belinda Donovan
$30
Anonymous
great project and commitment Brian
$30
Cash Donation Recieved
$26.38
Andrew Grimsdale
Thoughts and prayers are with you on your journey. Thank you
$26.38
Anonymous
Well done Brian.Age and activity a bonus.
$26.38
Lizzy Walton
So impressed & inspired by you & your family!
$26.38
Steve Brumby
$26.38
Sue Lee
What an inspiring story. Look forward to following your blog.
$26.38
Louise
What a beautiful tribute to your wife. All the best, Brian.
$26.38
Mary Shepherd
Congratulations on your achievement, Brian. Here is a belated donation towards your fund.
$26.38
Anonymous
MMM Walker
$26.38
Allen & Maria Homan
$26.38
Lisa Polden
Well done Brian, my dad is one of those people you are walking for - taken too soon because of this disease.
$26.38
Alex Mackey
$26.38
Kate Robertson
Best wishes for the walks. Beautiful way to remember Helen.
$26.38
John Winter
$26.38
Lynda Somers
What a fantastic thing to do Brian. Very meaningful in Helen's memory. Good luck with the walking!
$26.38
Denise
Thank you Brian Thinking of you on your Quest Stay safe x x
$26.38
Eric Hughes
Well done to your outstanding achievement Brian
$26.38
Davina Mather
So impressive what you’re doing.
$26.38
Gillian Southwell
$26.38
Ally & Matt Skeer
$26.38
Saffron Brown
Thank you Brian. My Mum died from Ovarian Cancer in 2018. She too loved to walk and was committed to walking her beloved dogs until her final weeks of life.
$26.38
John Counsell
$25
Anonymous
$21.10
Hannah Gray
$21.10
Ruth Parsons
$20
Cash Donation Recieved
$20
Brian Stace
cash donated by V a cancer survivor.
$20
Jacqui Surtees
$20
Helen Stace
$10.55
Anonymous
Best wishes and thanks.
$10.55
Kurt Moles
Cash Donation from a bloke i meet in camp kitchen at Lake StClair
$10
Brian Stace
cash given to me by a caravan park neighbour who saw my van
