Andrea Skews walking 475km after Damian Brown dies of bowel cancer

A heartbroken Sunshine Coast mother is walking nearly 500km this week to raise awareness for bowel cancer after losing one of her closest friends to the deadly disease.

Andrea Skews walking 475 km after friend Damian Brown dies of bowel cancer.

A heartbroken Sunshine Coast mother is walking nearly 500km this week to raise awareness for bowel cancer after losing one of her closest friends to the deadly disease – saying early detection is our only hope.

Andrea Skews, 51, of Kings Beach, close friend Damian Brown to bowel cancer less than two years ago.

The Former Coffee Cat on Kings Beach owner died in hospital in late October, 2022, at the age of 58, two-and-a-half years after a terminal diagnosis.

Mr Brown was known on the Sunshine Coast as a friendly and zany cafe owner after moving from Melbourne in 2011.

During his time in Kings Beach, Mr Brown threw his energy into the cafe and the Caloundra community.

Ms Skews said even after his cancer diagnosis he continued to experience as much of life as possible.

Andrea Skews with her friend Damian Brown before he died of bowel cancer. Picture – contributed.

The pair bonded more than 10 years ago when Ms Skews became the first woman to run the Birdsville Track, a 475km dirt route made for cattle, that runs from Marree in northern South Australia, through the Simpson Desert and the Sturt Stony Desert, to Birdsville, just over the border in outback Queensland.

She completed the track in seven days and four hours, averaging 65km a day, while raising awareness and funds for a local charity, Care Outreach.

Mr Brown was her event manager and the pair and their families became close friends.

“My children and I were there for the two-and-a-half year battle, watching Damian go through chemotherapy every second week, while he tried to remain positive, with a zest for life,” Ms Skew said.

Now, in honour of the 10-year-anniversary, and in memory of her dear friend, Ms Skew is once again tackling the same gruelling kilometres of the Birdsville track.

Andrea Skews is raising awareness for bowel cancer. Picture – Facebook.

“This time, I will complete the track virtually, striking the same daily kilometres as I did on the track, but from Snap Fitness Caloundra,” Ms Skews said.

Because of an injury, Ms Skews is this time walking the challenge, from August 28 to September 4, to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia.

“Eligible Australians aged 45 to 74 can do a free bowel cancer test at home every two years,” she said.

“Damian walked into the Royal Brisbane Hospital on the Monday with lower abdominal pain, diagnosed Wednesday, part of his bowel removed on the Friday with a terminal diagnosis.

“It’s the second deadliest cancer in Australia but 99 per cent of cases can be cured if they’re picked up early.”

Former Coffee Cat On Kings Beach owner Damian Brown. Picture – file.

Through tears, Ms Skews said it was an awful thing to watch a loved one die from cancer.

“He had chemo every second week until he withered away. It was terrible to watch.

“My kids saw that too it was so hard.

“He was such a beautiful soul. He would do anything for anyone.

“He would always put a smile on your face. He was so generous and always wanted to help and support people.

“He was just an amazing human being right up until the very end.”

Andrea Skews. Picture – Facebook.

Determined to make a difference, Ms Skew is hoping to raise $75k.

“But even if I don’t raise that much it’s okay,” she said.

“If I can urge just one person to get tested early and save their life then that’s priceless to me.

“Early screening and diagnosis could prevent this being someone else’s reality.

“I urge you to be tested. As daunting as it may be, it could save your life.”

You can support Ms Skews here.

Originally published as Andrea Skews walking 475km after Damian Brown dies of bowel cancer