Cancer survivor Alan Eagleson led Cancer Council Relay for Life after 12 years of fundraising

Cancer survivor Alan Eagleson is this year’s face of the Relay for Life after he’s spent more than 12 years supporting the event. Find out why he keeps coming back:

Alan Eagleson was honoured to become the 2022 Face of Relay at Cancer Council event.

A cancer survivor who now enjoys a “clear bill of health” is the face of this year’s Relay for Life after he’s spent years raising money for the Cancer Council.

Alan Eagleson, 69, said he had a passion for supporting cancer research following the death of a family member at a young age from the disease.

In June 2021 Mr Eagleson experienced it first-hand too when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“I was diagnosed in June 2021 and was told it was very severe, it has now been 14 months and I have been given a clear bill of health,” he said

The owner of Mon-Dee Coffee 2 Go said he was honoured to be asked to be the face of the event.

“The relay was the one event of the year we would do at cost and all the money would go back to the foundation,” Mr Eagleson said.

“Consequently the committee asked me if I would be the face of the relay.”

Alan and Pat Eagleson have attended the Relay for Life for 12 years in their Mon-Dee coffee van, with proceeds donated to the Cancer Council.

The Kingaroy South Burnett Relay for Life has so far raised an astonishing $117,000.

A Cancer Council spokeswoman said 17 registered teams and more than 179 participants came together to celebrate, remember, and fight back against cancer, raising vital funds for Cancer Council Queensland’s work in cancer research, prevention programs, and practical support services.

“Teams committed to walking, rolling, and running around a track to signify that cancer never rests and neither would they,” she said.

Cancer Council Queensland Community Engagement Coordinator Sarah Dudin expressed her gratitude to the community.

“Around 2335 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in South West Queensland, and Relay For Life enables us to reach out to them every minute, every hour, every day,” Ms Dudin said.

“I would like to thank the South Burnett and Kingaroy community, including the local Relay For Life committee, participants, local businesses, and all who generously donated, for showing your incredible support and helping us fight back against cancer.”

Some of the happy attendees of the Kingaroy South Burnett Relay for Life.

South Burnett and Kingaroy Cancer Council Queensland Committee chair Rowena Dionysius said she was overwhelmed by support.

“Thank you to the amazing sponsors and supporters who helped make this event possible and thank you to all the participants who worked so hard throughout the year to raise this incredible amount,” Ms Dionysius said.

“Another special shout to the Ride 4 Relay 2022 event that raised a whopping $28,602 earlier this year, and Cricket 4 Life who raised $25,295.”

The highest fundraising team went to Brooksey’s Crew, who raised an impressive $23,313 and counting!

Mr Eagleson expressed special thanks to the Toowoomba Cancer Council for their generosity while he was receiving treatment.

“In my speech at the relay I reiterated that if you’re not happy with your doctor’s suggestion you know your body best and it’s always worth a second opinion,” Mr Eagleson said.

“I’ve always been very open about my experience and now people in the community are contacting me for advice when themselves or someone they know receives a diagnosis.

“It leaves you absolutely gobsmacked, at least my friends are able to come to me.”

Ms Dudin said fundraising events such as Relay For Life helped the organisation substantially reduce the burden of cancer on the community.

“Donations for the South Burnett and Kingaroy Relay For Life event are still welcome up until November 4,” she said.

To donate to the South Burnett and Kingaroy Relay For Life click here.