17/03/2026
Under two weeks to go until the 24hr Tennis and Multi Sport Marathon and the emotions are really starting to kick in. Wow, what a journey it’s been so far!
Last weekend I ticked off a huge milestone: I stayed awake for 24 hours. I was up early Saturday for a full day of work, then walked along Woolgoolga Beach right through till 6am Sunday. Massive thank you to ACES committee member Jaime for being my sidekick through the night and keeping me entertained. We did it! Then, just to top it off, I backed up on Sunday afternoon and joined the Bridges of Hope Walk for the amazing Zoe and her family.
Let’s just say I’m feeling it today.
This journey has taught me so many life lessons:
Listening to my body
Slowing down enough to really enjoy my surroundings
And most of all, appreciating just how incredible our community is
I feel truly blessed to live in the Clarence Valley.
From here I’ll start to taper a bit – I know I can’t go into the 24 hours already sore. I think my biggest challenge now will be keeping my emotions in check as the big day gets closer.
As part of the 24hr event, there’s something I’d really love to do but I’m not sure how to make it happen – and I need your help!
Before I start play at 6pm Friday, I’d like to fill both grass courts with people and do two big group dances, maybe the Nutbush (or something similar). The idea is to get everyone out there having a great time, celebrating the life we have, while also remembering those we’ve lost and supporting those currently going through cancer.
So, who’s in? How can we spread the word and get 100+ people out on the courts dancing, laughing, and having some fun together?
Please share this around, tag your friends, comment if you’re keen, and let’s make this happen!
At the heart of all this is one simple truth: this journey is about cancer – and cancer sucks.
Darren
Inspiring Hope❤️
