24 April 2013

Strathfield Council is pleased to announce it will ‘Join The Bowel Movement’ and support for the first time in 2013, Bowel Cancer Australia for the annual Cooks River Fun Run on June 23.

After three successful Cooks River Fun Runs, Strathfield Council has looked to continue to build on the community 5km and 10km running event in Strathfield, by announcing a charity partner for the first time.

The Cooks River Fun Run coincides with Bowel Cancer Australia’s annual public education initiative Bowel Cancer Awareness Month (1-30 June).

Bowel cancer is the second most common type of newly diagnosed cancer in Australia affecting both men and women almost equally and is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer after lung cancer.

Julien Wiggins, CEO of Bowel Cancer Australia said he is grateful to have the support of the Cooks River Fun Run in 2013.

“Bowel Cancer Awareness Month is about saving lives through prevention and early detection and it’s great to have Strathfield Council, through the Cooks River Fun Run, committing to join the bowel movement,” Mr Wiggins said.

“About 70 per cent of bowel cancer cases are influenced by modifiable diet and lifestyle factors such as physical activity. Thirty minutes of exercise a day is one simple way to reduce your bowel cancer risk.”

Mayor of Strathfield, Cr Gulian Vaccari has embraced the opportunity for runners to make a contribution to this cause.

“Strathfield Council is pleased to be able to support this great and worthy cause to encourage our community to think about their health and their risk factors and have a conversation with their doctor about bowel cancer,” Cr Vaccari said.

“Around the country, Australians will support Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Red Aussie Apple Day in June. In addition, participants in this year’s Cooks River Run Fun will see $5 of their entry fee donated to Bowel Cancer Australia as part of Council’s charity partnership. Any runners wishing to take on further fundraising activities can also choose to do so.

“Most importantly, make sure you register for the Cooks River Fun Run and get training. Entries start from just $20, see cooksriverfunrun.com.au for all the details.”