Breast Cancer Trials’ fundraiser challenges dog lovers to walk 57km in February

Australia and New Zealand’s largest oncology research group, Breast Cancer Trials, is challenging all dog lovers and their “furry friends” to join them in walking 57 kms in the month of February to raise money for breast cancer research.

The challenge offers an opportunity to ignite individual fitness and health new year resolutions and help participants and their dogs shed those festive kilos all while making a positive difference.

57 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each day in Australia and so walking the 57kms and raising money while you’re doing it is the perfect way to raise vital funds and honour all those people who have or are battling breast cancer.

Founded in 1978, Breast Cancer Trials conducts a multicentre national and international clinical trials research program, into the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. This involves over 900 researchers in 114 institutions across Australia and New Zealand.

Every advance in the treatment has come through clinical trials research and Breast Cancer Trials has been responsible for the development and trial of life-saving drugs such as Herceptin, Exmestane, Letrozole and Tamoxifen, which have saved thousands of lives around the world.

Every dollar raised during the month of February will go to lifesaving research. Everyone who signs up to the February campaign will receive a t-shirt and a bandana for your dog – “so you can go walking in style. Feeling fur-fresh and looking fabulous!”

Dog owners enjoy numerous health and social benefits by walking their dog a few times a week. Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly) and decreased stress. A regular walk is vitally important for your pet's health too. So, this campaign is good for you, good for your furry best pal and great for breast cancer research!

Go to fundraise.breastcancertrials.org.au/fb/57km-feb-challenge to sign you and your dog up to the challenge or go to www.breastcancertrials.org.au/57km-dog-walk-challenge/ for further information.

Australasian Leisure Management Editor Karen Sweaney will be participating in this event with her senior pug Stella (who will be in a pushchair due to arthritic back legs)