Page 3803 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 24 September 2019

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the time of the walk around Lake Ginninderra, carrying 70 kilograms over five kilometres, aided by his friend, who carried 40 kilograms over five kilometres. By the time of the walk this year, Cam had raised over $13,000. For every dollar raised milestone he promised to do more. As a result, he ended up walking 26 kilometres, carrying 40 kilograms for every step of that, again ably supported by his mate.

In raising $2,500, he did the walk with hearing protection, to replicate being deaf. That is because tumours can appear in the ears of those with NF. For the $5,000 he raised, he grew and maintained a moustache. Kids with NF often have surgery which makes them feel less than comfortable about showing their faces. For Cam, having a mo was not pretty—I can probably attest to that—and it was thus a way he could replicate that feeling about showing your face. Raising $7,500 resulted in him maintaining a blade-smooth head to replicate the effects of chemo, again something children of NF go through. Finally, NF often has the consequence of going blind, with the development of cataracts. By raising $10,000 Cam did the entire last kilometre of his walk with no sight, completely blindfolded, still carrying 40 kilograms, guided by his daughter Libby, as we returned to our celebrations in the city.

Cam’s face at the end of the walk showed it all: pain, exhaustion but ultimately determination. In the days following the event, Cam reached his target of $15,000 raised. But this year, he was not even the highest fundraiser nationally, with a couple from Melbourne raising $17,000. That is something Cam and everyone else was pleased about, because it means that more people are stepping up and awareness is growing. That is the entire point of these events.

Madam Speaker, the event did not just involve a walk. There were capes for these heroes, young and old, a dance performance, face painting and an incredibly popular jumping castle.

I would like to again extend my thanks to all of those who raised an incredible amount of money individually, not least Cam. In the lead-up to the event, many people participated in an August challenge, where they raised money by doing something that was a challenge for them. Extra special thanks to Carey Russell for once again organising the event, ensuring that a very happy and fun time was had, particularly in light of quite a bit going on in her own and her family’s lives.

The next event is the Cupid’s Undie Run, around Valentine’s Day next year. I urge everyone to continue to give this very important issue their attention and their support.

Sport—under-13 rugby

MR HANSON (Murrumbidgee) (3.47): I rise tonight to talk about one of Canberra’s great sporting teams, the Canberra Grammar under-13 rugby team. I thank the wonderful coaches of that team, Alex Sumpter and Max Bode, who have spent countless hours out with the boys on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and on Saturday mornings on game day. I thank them for their leadership and the inspiration they have provided to all of the boys.


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