David lost his wife Christine to brain cancer in January 2015 and knew that he wanted to do something not only to remember her but also to raise awareness about the disease. So in 2015 he started the Lennox library to Byron Bay Walk 4 Brain Cancer.
‘I wanted to do something so I decided to start the walk. Off the cuff I went to the Lions Club meeting and said “I just want support to run this thing.” Without the Lions Club it wouldn’t happen, they do all the water stations and co-ordinate the start and finish lines and the BBQ at the end.’
David and Christine Greiner had moved to Lennox Head in 1980 and brought up their three children. Catherine was a key fixture in the local community as the first Lennox Head librarian.
‘When the first public library opened in a room of the school Catherine was the the first librarian. She was part of the library team when it grew and became part of the community centre,’ said David proudly.
For the last two years the walk has raised around $25,000 each year towards brain cancer research and has had between 150 to 200 walkers and runners.
‘The walk is 21 kms so it is a half marathon and the runners said it was just great fun,’ continued David.
‘Some people want to do the walk in memory of someone they love and have a great sense of achievement when they finish the walk.’
Starting from the Lennox Head library participants then make their way along seven mile beach. The middle part is a hill run or walk over a dirt road to Broken Head, then once again along the beach to Cosy Corner then finish on the esplanade along Byron Bay’s main beach.
The walk will be taking place Sunday, 26 November and participants can increase the money raised by getting friends and family to sponsor them.
‘The timing isn really important,’ finished David. ‘It has to be low tide and at the right time of day.’
So for all those early risers who would love to not only enjoy a fantastic morning walk along the beautiful local coastline but would like to raise awareness and money towards brain cancer research get online here and book yourself in for a 6am start on November 26.
This is uncanny. My home country Canada, just lost a music legacy today, Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip, Canada’s top iconic band who formed in the mid 80s.
Downie lost his battle to brain cancer only today, and a year ago, July 2016 was their final farewell concert. After that, only a few knew how Gord was progressing but a lot of money was raised by him, his band and his associates toward brain cancer research.
It is refreshing to see that this walk is taking place and I plan to take part in memory of Gord Downie