09/04/2026
Challenge 440 is finished for 2026! Congratulation to our awesome participants who together raised over $13,600 to support people affected by Head and Neck Cancer.
Throughout March, participants rising to Head and Neck Cancer weekly challenges also achieved impressive personal challenges, from roller skating, to running, squats, walking, reformer Pilates, cycling, swimming, walking flights of stairs, to kettlebell routines and no alcohol.
Thank you to everyone who committed to the whole month of March, to fundraise, raise awareness and start conversations about the often-unseen impacts of HNC! We’ve included a few quotes below.
“My dentist noticed a small white spot and advised me to have it looked at. This early intervention was crucial… I’m now five years clear and hoping to spread awareness so others can avoid going through the same.” says Brenton who raised $3,050 from a starting goal of $1,500!
Keith rode 635km and raised $1,244 during March … “My wife was diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2021 and it’s a cause close to my heart.”
Sharon combined squats and walking and smashed her personal challenge. “My husband has Orapharyngeal cancer - non curative & HPV viral driven. I want to raise awareness of the importance of early intervention at the 1st small symptoms.”
Janet said: “Soft food was definitely the hardest by far for me but I stuck with it. Certainly, making me appreciate the struggle of keeping up nutrition when there's so many limiting factors on your diet and what you're able to eat with side effects. My kids have been very encouraging with everything also which is spurring me on too 🙂.”
Amanda, in recovery from throat cancer, walked 127km and reached her $500 fundraising goal!
Elaine more than doubled her fundraising goal – “It’s one year since I finished radiation for an SCC on my buccal mucosa.”
“Every day this week I have been silent for 2 hours. Speech loss and speech changes are a huge challenge for those living with H&N cancer. The frustration of not being able to communicate quickly and easily must be so mentally and emotionally draining, and a huge adjustment when it's long term.”, says Anne.
And from Chrissy Wilson, whose story featured in this year’s Challenge 440 and who raised $2,200, “I remember my hubby during his treatment and recovery and not being able to go to the gym was a real challenge for him. I will never take for granted the fact to be able to workout! … [Not talking was difficult], I tend to get up an hour before the kids and then another hour at the gym. That’s how I’m getting through the 2 hours no talking challenge.”
Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make this month count – Amanda, Anne, BIGW Maryborough (Kirsty, Vanessa), Brenton, Chrissy, Dental Clinic Mt Martha (Allza, Atin, Stephanie, Thailah), Elaine, Harry, Janet, Keith, Kim, Lauren, Madara, Rebecca D, Rebecca F, Sharon.
Donations remain open: https://challenge440.raiselysite.com/donate
