Bon voyage!

The launch went without a hitch! Craig started his journey at Point A – Australia Square early in the morning. He ran down the foreshore toward the Opera House where his family, friends and supporters gathered to show him how much we supported him.

The launch event was hosted by Dr Andrew Roachford, the guy that hosts “What’s Good For You”. After a few official proceeding from Professor Michelle Haber, the Executive Director of CCIA and Gary Phipps from Bottlemart, the platinum sponsor, Craig was itching to go! There were tear from more than a few in the crowd as he made his way to the Man-o-war steps.

Layne Beachley joined him with some other Sydney sea kayak enthusiasts and together with a raft of news camera crews departed the Sydney Opera House before 9:00am.

Good luck Craig! We’re all tracking your progress on the GPS!!

Craig and his family start at Australia Square

A half marathon every day, for the next 92 days

Australian Cricket Captain Ricky Ponting, Australian Rugby Legend Phil Kearns and World Champion Surfer Layne Beachley today joined forces to support Craig Goozee as he set out on a 12,500km ultra marathon to raise money for childhood cancer research.

Craig Goozee is not a famous athlete or celebrity, yet he has set out on an ambitious 12,500km ultra marathon called A2B4C in honour of his daughter, Jessica, who tragically passed away from cancer at the age of nine.

Craig, an ambassador for Children’s Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research (CCIA), started his journey today at Australia Square and will run, bike, and kayak his way around the country to finish at Bennelong Point.

Fellow CCIA Ambassador and advocate for childhood cancer Ricky Ponting said Craig’s determination was inspiring.

“This A2B4C marathon is the super-human effort of a dad trying to make a difference.  He is an ordinary man doing something quite extraordinary in the memory of his daughter,” Ricky Ponting said.

Rugby legend and CCIA Board member Phil Kearns said Craig was in for a mighty challenge.

“Craig’s journey will be the equivalent of doing a half marathon every day, for the next 92 days, a phenomenal effort that will require mental endurance, confidence and focus,” Phil Kearns said.

Craig’s intention is to raise $1 million to support CCIA’s vital research into the causes, prevention, better treatments and cure of childhood cancer.

 

Craig and Layne about to kick off

Ricky Ponting wishing Craig Goozee all the best!