General News
11 October, 2023
Tehan joins Run for CJD
WANNON MP Dan Tehan has joined a group of 10 others this week who have begun traversing the 950-kilometre distance between Canberra and Warrnambool to raise funds for charity.
WANNON MP Dan Tehan has joined a group of 10 others this week who have begun traversing the 950-kilometre distance between Canberra and Warrnambool to raise funds for charity.
The group of 11 men have set off on a marathon effort to raise vital funds and awareness for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD).
Among the group of runners was Wannon MP Dan Tehan, who was approached by 2023 Run 4 CJD organiser Matt Stewart asking if he would be prepared to do something to raise funds and awareness.
Mr Stewart had suggested a run from Parliament House in Canberra through to Warrnambool – a more than 950-kilometre trek with one week for the group to find their way home.
“Initially I thought he was a bit mad,” Mr Tehan said.
“But then I thought why not?
“When you think about what people who have been diagnosed with CJD go through it seemed like such a small thing in comparison.
“This is something we could do to pay our respects to loved ones we have lost to CJD.”
The pain of losing someone to CJD is an experience Mr Tehan knows all too well.
He lost his aunt to CJD in 1984, and in 2003 lost his mother to the same disease.
“It was very sad,” he said.
“My mother was a lovely, bright, bubbly person and in the space of three months the disease took her mind away and then killed her.
“To see someone like that just fade away before your eyes is very sad, and it’s why I’m so keen to raise funds and awareness.”
The group launched an online fundraiser to support their efforts, raising not only awareness but funds which will go towards research efforts in hopes of one day finding a cure.
At the time of publication, the online fundraiser had surpassed more than $44,000, which Mr Tehan said was already a “great” result.
“The community never ceases to amaze me, the way people have got behind it and shown such strong support is truly humbling.” he said.
“I can’t thank those who have donated enough for what they have done.
“It shows how big-hearted country communities are.”
Anyone who would like to donate to the cause can visit www.gofundme.com/f/run-for-cjd-from-canberra-to-warrnambool-950km.
“Thank you to anyone who does donate,” Mr Tehan said.
“It’s greatly appreciated and every cent goes to a wonderful cause.
“Hopefully one day people don’t have to watch loved ones go through what ours did.”
The group are hoping to arrive back in Warrnambool on Saturday, October 14 from 1pm at the Frolic Lane beer garden on Kepler Street.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to get there for this great cause,” Mr Tehan said.
“It will be a great opportunity for us to celebrate what will be quite an achievement coving 950 kilometres.
“Hopefully we’ll all be in one piece.”