Wickham marathon runner raises cancer funds

Wickham resident Denise Rowell is gearing up to set out on a personal mission to raise vital funds for cancer research.

Ms Rowell, who has called the Pilbara home for 11 years, will exchange the red dirt for the streets of Perth to join a field of competitors taking part in the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research marathon on May 5.

According to the institute, one in every eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and while ovarian cancer is rare, the five-year survival rate is only 43 per cent.

The mother-of-three said while she had been lucky not to see any friends or family go through the devastation of cancer, she understood the heartache it inflicted on sufferers and their loved ones.

“I’ve seen the devastation it causes and the flow-on effect it has on friends and family,” she said.

“The marathon will take six to eight hours of non-stop walking and I’m hoping my contribution to research will help to give courage to those women still battling cancer.

“I’m hoping to manage to raise as much money as we can and having a bit of fun on the way,” she said.

To donate, visit hawaiian-walk-2018.everydayhero.com/au/denise-4.