Having set out from Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick 19 days and 500kms ago, with a goal of raising $50,000 for Cancer support, The Armidale School (TAS) student Ted Chick can all but see the finishing line.
Today, Sunday 12th May, Ted hit his mate Mac’s hometown of Uralla, flanked by many support runners also pounding the pavement in solidarity for Ted’s cause. The crew made a stop at Uralla’s Pioneer Park, where Ted and his family personally shook the hand of everyone who turned out to cheer them on.
Ted also took the time, alongside Mac’s father Guy Downes, to share this experience with Mac and keep him updated on their progress via video call.
This was only a brief stop to regroup and recharge before continuing on to the official end point of this leg, the CSIRO Chiswick Research Station just a few kilometres north of the township.
Ted’s physical condition is holding up well, despite some tendon soreness (nothing some vet-strength Rapigel can’t fix). Everyone is in great spirit, and excited to know there are just a few more kilometres to cover for this journey.
At the completion of this amazing effort, Ted is most looking forward to “a big feed at Neville’s Store!” After running the equivalent of twelve marathons over twenty days, a big greasy feed to line the stomach is just perfect.
To date, this inspirational young man has raised $35,247.30 of the $50,000 target but is still hopeful of reaching this magic number before the completion of this epic journey. At the request of his mate’s family, all donations will go to the Win the Day Charity who support families with children diagnosed with rare cancers.
“I think it’s about a lot more than raising money, although that obviously helps,” said Ted’s father and spokesperson, Anthony Chick
“It’s also about raising awareness – the plight of regional families who have to leave their homes to get lifesaving treatment for their kids is a big deal – I think Ted is really hoping that there will be a legacy to this and that it can become an annual event.”
Ted will depart Uralla tomorrow (Monday) morning at around 8.00am from the CSIRO facility on the final leg of his journey heading to Armidale. Ted will again be accompanied by fellow TAS students in a great show of comradery by the school.
The crew anticipates a very special homecoming for Ted, with TAS awaiting the return of their inspirational student.
Ted is keen for anyone to join him, getting as many people as possible to do the last miles into school at around 10.00am.
You can support Ted in helping his mate Mac and others in tackling the challenges of living regionally with illness by making a donation through the Miles4Mac website.
Top image: Ted Chick was flanked by supporters as he ran through Uralla on Sunday. (Beth Platford)
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