Join the Mornington Walk to Fight Early-Onset Bowel Cancer

Mornington MP Chris Crewther will lead a 21-kilometre walk along the coastline of the Mornington electorate on Saturday 31 May to raise awareness of early-onset bowel cancer.

The event, held in partnership with Bowel Cancer Australia as part of its #Never2Young campaign, aims to spotlight the increasing impact of bowel cancer among younger Australians and encourage early detection through greater awareness.

Starting at 7am from where Kackeraboite Creek meets the beach in Mount Eliza, the trek will pass through beaches and coastal paths in Mornington and Mount Martha, wrapping up by 5pm near Ellerina Road. Residents are encouraged to join Chris along the route or attend a key community awareness stop at Mornington Park from 11am to 11.30am.

“Bowel cancer is a horrible disease that can strike without warning,” Mr Crewther said.

“While many know it as an old person’s disease, statistics suggest that bowel cancer is now the deadliest form of cancer among younger people aged 25 to 54.”

“Almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated when detected at the earliest stage,” he added.

“If raising awareness can save even one life, then every step is worth it.”

The walk will feature shared stories from families affected by bowel cancer, along with branded singlets and red apple pins to mark the occasion. Funds raised will support Red Apple Day on 18 June, Bowel Cancer Australia’s national giving campaign.

Chris’ Chief of Staff, Donna Hope OAM, a voluntary Bowel Cancer Australia Ambassador and survivor herself, will also join sections of the walk.

“Bowel cancer isn’t a sexy topic, but it’s one we need to be speaking about,” Ms Hope said.

“It’s preventable, treatable, and beatable. That’s why events like this are so important.”

Bowel Cancer Australia CEO Julien Wiggins noted that bowel cancer is now the deadliest cancer for men and second-deadliest for women under 50.