Walk unites fundraisers for Pancare Foundation

May 27, 2022

Team: Sarah Vickers, Samantha Spokes, Pancare chief executive Doug Hawkins, Sheena Delaney and Jada Scarfo at the start of the walk. Photo by Jess Verhey

Last Sunday Echuca hosted its first official pop-up ‘Unite for Hope’ 5km fundraising walk in support of Pancare Foundation, a leading upper gastrointestinal cancer charity based in Melbourne.

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Echuca locals Jada Scarfo and Sarah Vickers joined forces last year and have been working hard to create awareness and raise vital funds since they each lost a parent to pancreatic cancer in 2020.

Their tremendous efforts have been recognised by the foundation, which saw three members of Pancare travel to the twin towns for the event, including a special appearance by Pancare chief executive Doug Hawkins.

This year’s walk saw the local duo raise more than $1700, with 37 participants taking part in the 5km walk along Scenic Dve.

Support came from the local community and local businesses Bryants Buds, Let’s Do Coffee, Priceline Pharmacy Echuca, Jess Verhey Photography and Echuca Moama Signs.

After last year’s inaugural ‘Shine the Light’ function at Moama RSL, which raised $15,287, Jada and Sarah will be holding their next event in November.

Pancare is committed to inspiring hope, raising awareness, supporting families and funding research for upper GI cancers, which have some of the lowest survival rates of all the major cancers.

Pancare’s team is dedicated to improving outcomes for those affected by upper GI cancers including pancreatic, liver, stomach, biliary and oesophageal cancers.