5 May, 2009: Imagine running through sand storms that rip the skin from your face or cycling for so long you get blisters on your bottom. Now picture enduring these conditions over 12,500km around Australia for three months.

Craig Goozee is not a famous athlete or celebrity, yet on 29 May 2009, he will set out on an ambitious ultra marathon called A2B4C in honour of his daughter, Jessica, who tragically passed away from cancer at the age of nine.

Craig, an ambassador for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA), will start his journey at Australia Square and run, bike, and kayak 12,500km around Australia to Bennelong Point, the long way round.

His intention is to raise $1 million to support CCIA’s vital research into the causes, prevention, better treatments and cure of childhood cancer.

Craig’s previous A2B4C marathons, in 1998 and 2000 raised over $650,000. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Jessica’s death, Craig will go against the odds and set out, at age 45, on the biggest marathon of his life.

“This is my third and final A2B4C marathon. Mentally and physically, this marathon requires more of me than I have ever given before but I’m very committed to completing it, for both the memory of Jessica and to honour the support already coming through from the community,” said Craig Goozee.

“Craig is an engaging and inspirational man. He has shown amazing courage and determination in everything he pursues, from his time as an undercover police detective, to a father who nursed his dying daughter,” said Dr Moira Clay, Associate Director at CCIA.

“This A2B4C marathon is the super-human effort of a dad trying to make a difference.  He is an ordinary man doing something quite extraordinary,” Dr Clay said.

Craig’s journey will take him to towns all around Australia, returning to Sydney towards the end of August.

Contact

PR & Communications, Children’s Cancer Institute Australia

Ph: (02) 9385 8879  |  Email: media@ccia.org.au

Images are available upon request. Photos/filming in the labs can be arranged.