SA businesses ‘go the distance’ for heart and cancer

In a bid to help raise more than $2 million for better treatment and cures for heart disease and cancer, two iconic SA businesses - Foodland and Health Partners - have jumped on board as major sponsors of go the distance - a new annual community fundraising initiative by four leading South Australian charities.

With registrations now open, go the distance is inviting South Australians to take part in a walk, run, ride event, either in a team or as an individual, on Sunday, October 28.

Foodland and Health Partners have taken up the challenge to help raise funds and support the local cause. Foodland’s chief executive, Russell Markham will also ride in the event in October and will sponsor the 50km bike leg to celebrate their 50th birthday.

Starting and finishing at West Beach, participants can choose their physical challenge – a 7km or 21.1km run (half marathon), 7km walk or a 30km, 50km or 107km bike ride, which travels along the coast and throughout the Adelaide Hills.

Participants are required to raise a minimum of $1,500 with the money raised going towards the research programs supported by four South Australian charities - the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation, Heart Foundation, Leukaemia Foundation and Little Heroes Foundation.

go the distance spokesperson Chris McDermott said the statistics on heart disease and cancer are staggering, accounting for two out of three deaths in South Australia each year.

“Heart disease and cancer don’t discriminate. They affect the young, the old, men, women and children. I think most of us today would be hard pressed to think of many families that haven’t been touched by these terrible conditions,” Chris said.

“The opportunity to work with other like-minded organisations who share a similar goal was too good to pass up.

“go the distance is an event that will give us all the ability to raise funds to put towards our collective causes,” he said.

go the distance ambassador Amber Halliday said she was proud to be associated with such a worthwhile cause, which also promotes healthy active lifestyles.

“This event is open to anyone no matter what their age or fitness level. I encourage anyone who has been affected by heart disease or cancer, either directly or indirectly, to take up the challenge and go the distance for this fantastic cause,” said Amber.