Tony Dalton is hoping to complete the gruelling Kokoda Track and at the same time help raise funds for Casey Cardinia Relay for Life group Team Jess. 20013By Callan Date
TONY Balton will take to the Kokoda Track next week knowing he has a whole team of Narre Warren supporters urging him on.
The 52 year-old will begin the 96-kilometre journey on Monday with thoughts of the Casey Cardinia Relay for Life firmly on his mind.
More importantly, Mr Balton will be spurred on by the memory of his niece Jess Atwell and the support of Team Jess.
The Narre Warren group has taken part in the last two Relay for Life events and it is starting early for 2009.
It has raised about $100,000 for cancer re-search and plans on adding to that tally during next year’s event.
Team Jess was formed in honour of Ms Atwell, who lost her battle with cervical cancer in January 2006. She was 27 years old.
Mr Balton said that although he was not originally doing the trek to raise funds, the opportunity had arisen to help in the battle against cancer.
“The trauma of losing Jess has affected all of our families in different ways,” he said.
“For me it made me a very angry person. Jessica is always in our thoughts – she was like a daughter to me.”
He said he hoped sponsors would get behind his efforts to conquer Kokoda and help raise funds for the Relay for Life event.
Casey councillor Paul Richardson has already helped out with a donation from council.
“I know we are all here for a reason; I am just not sure what mine is yet and I am hoping the trek might help with this while doing good for other cancer sufferers,” he said.
The electrician has been training extensively for the trek, which he will do with several close friends.
“I don’t want to waste my life anymore. When someone’s life is cut so short it makes you really think about your own life.”
Other upcoming fundraisers for Team Jess include a charity dinner at Clover Cottage in Berwick on 31 August and a golf day at the Berwick Montuna Golf Club on 2 November.
To sponsor Tony, or to help out with any other Team Jess fundraising efforts, contact Elaine Heinrich on 0418 566 171.
