To all those out there reading this, I thank you for taking the time to consider such an important issue. I have never had the misfortune of being diagnosed with cancer, and I must admit that up until recently the thought never even crossed my mind. It wasn't until just over two years ago, when a close member of my family was diagnosed with leukaemia, that I realised just how significant the impact of cancer can be. At the same time, my wife was almost due with our first baby girl. At this stage I was led to believe that statistics were suggesting 1 in 3 people would be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 80. It was this truly sobering fact that catalysed me into action. I realised that either my wife, my daughter or I would likely end up suffering from cancer and when you think about it in that way it can be quite jolting.

I began thinking of ways that I could help make a difference. The most obvious at the time was to be there for my family during that tough time, and I know that it was truly tough. Fortunately, despite the many setbacks, it would appear that all is now well. It was then it late 2010 that I was reintroduced to the Relay for Life. It had been many years since I had heard about the Relay and was thrilled to see the Southern Highlands community taking such pride in the event. The weather was absolutely atrocious and yet the spirit never faltered. I was finally inspired to do something big. Having spent some time researching the Relay and decided to follow in the footsteps of the founder of the Relay for Life, Dr Gordy Klatt, and attempt it solo. He managed to raise over $27,000 towards the American Cancer Society and this was back in 1985. An amazing result!

Thus I have decided to attempt all 86,400 seconds of the relay solo. Of course the logistics of such an attempt present some significant hurdles, but at this stage other than the occasional bathroom break, I will remain on the oval for the entire event and attempt to complete 300 laps (that's over 120km).

If you can support in any way it would be so very much appreciated.

All the best and good luck,

Ben White 

Cancer Council's Relay For Life is coming to our community and I'm taking part. That's right - I'm taking to the track and being proactive in the fight against cancer.

Did you know that Cancer Council is Australia's leading cancer charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. Cancer Council's groundbreaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has saved thousands of lives?

But statistics show that one in two of us will still get cancer at some point and Cancer Council's vital work, funded entirely by the public, will help ensure that thousands more people will survive.

So please help make a difference.