By Cancer Council Queensland

Toowong resident Annaliese Skoien will lace up and run the Gold Coast Airport Marathon this year with one simple goal – to raise funds for the charity that supported her step-dad when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Ms Skoien will run 42km to raise vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland, the main beneficiary of the 2016 Gold Coast Airport Marathon, held July 2 – 3.

“After running the half marathon last year and experiencing the whole atmosphere, I wanted to try my hand at the full marathon,” Ms Skoien said.

Ms Skoien decided that if she was going to run her first full marathon, she wanted to fundraise for her step-dad’s charity of choice.

While undergoing radiation treatment in 2015, Ms Skoien’s step-dad stayed at Cancer Council Queensland’s Ellis Lodge in Brisbane.

Ellis lodge is a home-away-from-home for regional cancer patients who need to travel to access life-saving cancer treatment.

Ms Skoien has been busy training for the marathon since January and encouraged others to join the fundraising efforts and help keep facilities like Ellis Lodge running.

“I’ve experienced first-hand what Cancer Council Queensland can offer in terms of support,” she said.

Ms Skoien has reached her fundraising goal of $1000, through asking for donations within her own personal network and hosting events at work, including a bake-off.

Now Ms Skoien’s aim is to raise $2000.

To support Ms Skoien’s efforts, visit everydayhero.com.au and search ‘Annaliese’.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said those who take part in the 38th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon give hope to Queenslanders touched by cancer.

“With your help, Cancer Council Queensland can continue to fund life-saving research and provide local support to loved ones affected by cancer,” she said.

“More than 61,000 Australian lives have been saved by improvements in cancer prevention, screening and treatment over the past 20 years – we need your help in 2016 to change even more lives for the better.”

Visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au to register today and select Cancer Council Queensland as your charity of choice.

Participants can take part in either the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge or Zespri 4km and 2km Junior Dash.

Entries close Friday 1 July.

Cancer Council Queensland

Join Team Cancer Council Queensland to make a difference.

For more about Cancer Council Queensland visit cancerqld.org.au or call 13 11 20 for information and support.