Josh Minogue runs 85km in support of Aspen Hansen’s battle with leukaemia

A Sunshine Coast toddler’s cancer battle was special motivation to push through the pain for endurance athlete Josh Minogue as he embarked on an epic run for a good cause.

Former champion lifesaver and current Ironman 70.3 endurance athlete Josh Minogue has pounded the pavement across an arduous 85km in support of a close friend and an emotional cause.

Minogue raised $16,544 for the Leukaemia Foundation on Friday after completing a double marathon from Sunshine Beach Surf Club to Alexandra Headland Surf Club and back again.

The big run was sparked in honour of friends Jordan and Jack Hansen, whose daughter, Aspen Mae Hansen, was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia last month.

Jack and Jordan Hansen's daughter Aspen has been diagnosed with childhood leukaemia.

The Hansens are well known in the lifesaving community, with Mr Hansen a former Mooloolaba ironman and current head coach at Alex Surf Life Saving Club for the past seven years.

Minogue said the initial plan was to shave his head for the ‘All in for Aspen Team’ as part of the World’s Greatest Shave and in a bid to push people to open their pockets decided to run 1km for every $100 donated.

“By Thursday night it ended up at $8500 but we almost doubled that by the end of Friday so it ended up being $16,500,” he said.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to run the extra 85km.

“I don’t mind a jog but that was next level and a good way to get people donating more to put me through some pain.”

While it was a tough run, Minogue said doing it in honour of Aspen and her cancer battle provided extra drive to get the job done.

“Later on in the day it (run) was pretty tough when I was heading back up into Peregian and Sunrise Beach where it started to get hilly,” he said.

“But, one day running is nothing compared to what she’s going through and is dealing with.

“For me to do it for one day was nothing and served as good motivation to get it done, even if I had to walk a bit.”

Josh Minogue ran 85km to help raise money for toddler Aspen Hansen who is battling leukaemia.

Minogue’s contribution has helped lift the ‘All in for Aspen’ team’s total to more than $60,000 in just three weeks.

The team’s goal was to reach $100,000.

Each Friday a friend or family member shaves or colours their hair to raise funds for the team, with a person then nominating the next to take part.

Aspen’s father, Jack, said on the team’s World’s Greatest Shave page that he was determined to help the foundations supporting them and others on similar journeys.

“As a father this disease has me feeling numb and helpless as all of what is happening to Aspen is out of our control,” he wrote.

“All I can and will do is remain beside my little girl and provide her with endless love, comfort and support.

“The charities and foundations that support children with cancer have been amazing and we as a family are grateful beyond words.”

Minogue said Aspen’s battle had opened his eyes to the enormity of leukaemia and the effects it had on families.

“I speak to Jack most days and I don’t think it’s easy and any day is good when battling something like this,” he said.

“It’s made the rest of us realise how big an issue this is and how many go through it.”

To help the family, donate here