Jay Allen is putting in the hard yards by walking 2000km from Adelaide to Sydney in 50 days to raise awareness and funds for the Melanoma Institute Australia to ultimately see that number decrease.
Having faced a terrifying experience in 2008 where he unexpectedly went from being a truck driver to a cancer patient requiring immediate surgery and treatment as a result of a mole on his ankle, Mr Allen said the walk was a way for him to thank those who kept him alive.
‘‘They saved my life so it’s just my small way of giving back,’’ he said.
This is not the first time Mr Allen has walked a significant distance in support of the Melanoma Institute Australia— in 2014 he walked from Sydney to Melbourne raising $165000 and in 2017 he walked from Brisbane to Sydney raising $265000.
This time around Mr Allen said he aimed to reach $350000.
About half way into his long journey Mr Allen passed through Shepparton on Thursday.
‘‘Day 27 and I’m starting to feel it a bit— I’ve got about nine blisters on my feet now.’’
Averaging about 40km each day, Mr Allen said he was up before the sun and walking by about 7am until 5pm.
He said although the days could be long and tiring he was delighted to have others on board who were keen to support the cause and join in raising awareness.
‘‘I’ve got 310 people walking with me on different days and we’re all fundraising together so I’m very grateful for them and their support.’’
Lisa Hanlon was one of the many who took part in a small portion of the walk. Ms Hanlon walked in honour of her sister Kim Troy who had just been cleared of stage 4 melanoma from her liver and lungs.
‘‘It’s stories like that that can give hope to many others fighting this disease,’’ Mr Allen said.
Also along his journey Mr Allen has stopped at a number of different schools, clubs and organisations to raise further awareness and provide educational sessions.
‘‘If we can save one life by encouraging someone to get a skin check then it’s all worth it.’’
Mr Allen will complete his 50 days of walking on May 19 where he will arrive at the Government House in Sydney.
If you wish to donate or to find out more information about the walk, visit the Jay’s Longest Melanoma March Facebook page.
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