Olivia Newton-John has, today announced that registrations for her annual ‘Wellness Walk and Research Run’ are now open. The annual event in Melbourne which raises money for the ONJ Centre at the Austin Hospital will, for the first time, become a global event, where walkers across the world can take part and show their support for a united cause.
The journey to win over cancer begins with a step and this year, Olivia is inviting people to register their interest and walk wherever they are in the world to raise vital funds to help people win over and live better with cancer. This year’s ‘Wellness Walk and Research Run’ will take place on Sunday 16th September at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus in Melbourne. Walkers will also be showing their support and taking part in the global event, commiting to their own walks like those already in the UK, USA, Canada, Belgium and Spain, to help Olivia achieve her dream.
Now in its 6th year, the ‘Wellness Walk and Research Run’ raises vital funds to support cancer research and wellness programs at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre (ONJ Centre). As well as funding research breakthroughs, the ONJ Centre provides access to world-leading wellness and supportive care, giving patients hope and helping them and their families during cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
The ONJ Centre makes a real difference to the lives of the people and communities it serves and Olivia is incredibly proud of the Centre’s achievements and its dedication to remaining at the forefront of treatment, research and wellness to support patients and their families.
"I'm delighted to be back in Melbourne to announce the exciting news that our Wellness Walk and Research Run has now become a global event. Everyone across the world has a personal story where they have been touched by a friend or family member living with cancer, so it makes sense that we all come together, wherever we may be, to raise funds to help people win over and live better with cancer."
“Registrations are now open and I invite you to join me in Melbourne on Sunday 16th September, or walk wherever you are in the world for wellness by registering yourself as a global walker. I have friends and family supporting the ONJ Centre from across the world and together, we will take the steps to win over cancer,” says Olivia Newton-John.
Olivia will once again join the participants in Melbourne who choose to walk or run – there will be a 5km walk, and a 5km or 10km run, open to all ages. Walkers and runners will be able to celebrate their achievements and enjoy an abundance of entertainment from an array of performers, as well as participate in a variety of sporting and children’s activities.
‘The Wellness Walk and Research Run’ celebrates the incredible work of the ONJ Centre, highlighting its impact on the lives of patients and families over the past few years. Every day, researchers and clinicians at the ONJ Centre, work together to, develop and trial breakthrough therapies, in an environment that supports body, mind and spirit.
Earlier this week (Tuesday 8th May), the Victorian Government announced that it was granting $18 million to the ONJ Centre to fast-track more research and better treatments. The funding will mean that more Victorian cancer patients will be able to access the world’s best ‘game-changing’ technology, to target and treat the disease.
$8 million of the package will go towards a new MRI-linear accelerator service that will be the first of its kind in Victoria and the second in the Southern Hemisphere. The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute will also benefit from $10 million to establish a Centre of Research Excellence with a focus on brain cancer. It will also help with the infrastructure and support that researchers need to continue their ground-breaking work fighting cancer.
“I am overwhelmed, and grateful for the Victorian Government’s investment in the ONJ Centre. This funding will allow the centre to deliver the very best treatments, wellness programs and complimentary therapies, and breakthrough research, all under one roof. I am incredibly proud of the centre and the crucial work it carries out. Every day we take steps to win over cancer and this funding enables us to take a massive leap,” added Olivia.
Registrations for the 2018 Wellness Walk and Research Run are now open. Participants can take advtange of the early bird registration which opens on the 10th of May, with $5 saved off adult, concession and family entries.
Registrations are now open at www.wellnesswalkresearchrun.com.au