Courtesy of Cancer Council Queensland

One in two Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime – a statistic a group of Gold Coast locals are passionate about changing – because their members were one of them.

Next month, Cancer Council Queensland’s Gold Coast c-vivor group will lace up for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon with one simple goal in mind – to give hope to Queenslanders, like them, affected by cancer.

Group leader Helen Mitchell said for the group it’s a cause close to the heart.

“Our fitness group has been running for the past two years – all of our members are either cancer survivors or are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, so being a part of this group has played a significant role in each of their journeys,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Of the eight of us taking part in the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge, one of our members has terminal cancer, one is undergoing treatment and the rest are managing their survivorship – our commitment to this event means a lot.

“Having people to support you through your journey can make such difference – I’ve lost my mother, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to cancer and have seen the incredible impact that keeping active and being social can have.

“Completing the Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge next month is going to be an incredible feat for our c-vivor members – for us it really is a step forward in the fight against cancer.”

The 2015 Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on July 4-5, with more than 27,000 runners expected to take part.

Ms Mitchell encouraged others to show their support by donating for the cause or registering to run.

“It’s such a great community event. It doesn’t matter if you run or walk – the event is about celebrating your health and fitness, and working together for a cancer free future,” she said.

Cancer Council Queensland Cancer Support Coordinator Jenni Dyason said c-vivor classes continue to make a tangible difference to those affected by cancer.

“Interacting with others who have also been through a cancer experience is a unique and beneficial form of support and there are also the physical benefits of regular exercise,” Ms Dyason said.

“The c-vivor program’s innovative approach to peer support through gentle physical activity will help cancer survivors maintain a healthy lifestyle and ensure their long-term health.”

Ms Mitchell’s c-vivor fitness group is held every Monday from 9.30am – 10.30am at Cancer Council Queensland’s Gold Coast office (1 Short Street, Southport).

For more information about c-vivor, visit c-vivor.org.au or call Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.