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David Watson Walk for Hope

By Luisa Watson

Thank you from Cancer Council researchers

To everyone who has donated I wanted to share this message of thanks from the Cancer Council. It’s one tangible way your generosity is making a difference. xx

Hi Luisa, I’m Associate Professor Paul Beavis, and on behalf of my team I want to say a big thank you for your support of Cancer Council Victoria. You've helped us achieve so much, so I wanted to take a minute to share with you just how important your support is. 

"This project aims to provide proof of principle for a new Cellular Engineering approach that we believe could enhance the efficacy and safety of this form of cancer therapy."

Right now, my team and I are are working on enhancing a form of immune based therapy known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. The CAR allows the body's immune cells to ‘recognise’ and subsequently kill tumour cells.  Why is this important? It's shown that CAR T cell therapy is highly effective in blood cancers, with approximately 90% of patients responding positively to treatment, and long-term remission is common.

Thanks to your support we’re hoping this can be advanced to clinical testing. It has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes in a range of solid tumour types (e.g., lung, ovarian, breast) where CAR T cells have been previously applied.  Ours is just one of four venture grants commenced bi-annually by Cancer Council Victoria, but it is all thanks to the generosity of people like yourself that we can continue to strive for major breakthroughs in cancer treatment and diagnosis.  

Your contribution is truly making a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer and will have a lasting impact on so many lives.

If you'd like to learn more about our work, simply click here. And if you'd be interested in giving again to continue our pursuit of a cancer free future, just click the link below.

 Thank you so much for your support,

A/Prof Paul Beavis

We did it!!

Melbourne turned on a magnificent day for our walk. 
Thank you so much to the 40 people who came out to walk parts of the route with us, those who picnicked and our dear friends who walked remotely interstate. It was such a lovely way to catch up and celebrate David, all for a great cause. Your love and support means so much to us.
We will keep this fundraising page open as long as Cancer Council will let us, so keep spreading the word. The sensational $6289 we have raised so far will make an enormous difference to cancer research and prevention programs, and to support people in their cancer journeys. 
Thank you wholeheartedly from the Watson Family. xx

PS There are some photos of the day down the bottom of our page. Apologies that I was too busy chatting to take photos of everyone! 

Walk map

Hi everyone 
This is the map for our walk on the 3rd of December. Everyone should feel free to walk as much or little as they are able. All your donations and support messages have been heartwarming and truly appreciated. xx

Nov 14 Update - Course route to come

Thanks so much to everyone who has supported us so far. We really appreciate your help in flying past our fundraising goal of $2000 and now over $3000! Dave would be very chuffed!

David’s sister and I have been training hard and keeping an eye on the walking tracks to make sure all runs smoothly on the day. At this stage we anticipate having to do a slight detour through Abbotsford as this section of the Main Yarra Trail is under construction. We will soon post an update of the course with rest stops and easy entry and exit points for those who would like to walk smaller sections. We’re also happy for anyone to come along and enjoy a relaxing picnic if walking is not your thing. 

We have decided this is an all weather event so unless the conditions are dangerous we will be walking on the day. 

We’re fundraising for Cancer Council Victoria to help stop cancer.

In memory and celebration of David, who always chose hope and joy throughout his life,  we are raising funds to give hope and support to those living with cancer who are walking the same path we have. By supporting this event, you will be funding life-saving cancer treatments, prevention programs, and support services that ensure no one has to face cancer alone. 

On December 3rd 2023 our family will be donning David’s favorite Hawaiian shirts and walking 21km from Alphington to the Alexandra Gardens via the Darebin Creek and Main Yarra Trails to give hope and joy to others. We would love your support and invite you to donate and/or join us on the day. If you’d like to join in please DM Luisa on Instagram @davidwatsonarchitect or email here so we can cater for a picnic lunch at the end.

For those who would like to walk here are some approximate start times and varying distances where people can join the walk. We will be walking at a gentle pace for all abilities and so we can chat and enjoy the day.

UPDATED 16th November….

8.30am Darebin Gardens Miners Gate car park Smith st Alphington. 21km walk

10.30-11.10am rest stop. Convent Bakery 1 St Hilliers st Abbotsford 11.8 km walk

Detour around the brewery in Abbotsford to rejoin the Main Trail beside Frankie Says, Victoria st.

McConchie Reserve/Mary st Richmond where the pedestrian subway meets the main trail beside the Yarra. 3km walk

Morell Bridge South side 1km

Approx 1-1.30pm arrival for a picnic in the Alexandra Garden central lawn. Please RSVP for catering numbers. Walkers should BYO drinks and snacks for their walk distance. Please choose a suitable distance for your ability. This is a very casual event so feel free to tap in or out at any stage or just come down to join us for a picnic.

Please Support
My Cause

Raised

$6,446

My Goal

$2,000

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Thank you to my Sponsors

$52.75

Elizabeth Benedetti

Thinking of you, great cause!

$104

Ben & Elle Greenough

$105.50

Ben Scott

$20

Chloe Benedetti

You’re an inspiration ❤️

$31.65

Mark Lorenzi

$52.75

Melissa Griffin

$52.75

Kathy Prince

Hi Luisa and Tonia. You’re both ace for doing this!

$52.75

Jo & Joe Zumbo

Have a great walk today Luisa. A wonderful way to honour David.

$208

Mike Wardlaw

$83.20

Bel Jackson

Such a lovely idea in memory of such a loving husband and father.. We will see you for part of the walk xx

$52.75

Lynn Griffin

Best wishes Luisa

$211

Paul, Nez, Liam, Imogen & Blake Di Gregorio

Inspiring event for a great cause to remember the great man. Full of whit, full of character and a great guy to have a laugh with. Always remembered, never forgotten.

$10

Anonymous

$208

Lois Watson

$1.02k

Anonymous

Lucky to have met David in my journey through life. Great bloke & good to have a yarn with him.

$105.50

Mary Noonan

$211

Mark Di Felice

A great cause to recognise a beautiful soul and a wonderful friend. Great work Lu.

$104

Stephanie & Graeme

In memory of David, a gentle man who knew what was important in life.

$105.50

Dominguez Murray Family

Such a nice way to remember and celebrate David and give hope to others. Looking forward to joining you on the day.

$414.55

Sluiter Family

$52.75

Maria Benedetti

Well done team!

$52.75

Jill Hosking

Lovely way to honour your beautiful David , hoping to join you some of it xx

$105.50

Joy Barham

Happy walking. Sorry I can't join you on the day

$189.90

Lewis Family

Our magnificent house is a constant reminder of David’s incredible talent and creativity. Forever grateful to have met and worked with David and Luisa. Congratulations Watson family for raising important funds and walking in honour of David. Lisa, Brett, Ebony & Ciara

$520

Pat And Sil Di Gregorio

We're so proud of you Lu

$520

Luisa Watson

$105.50

Katinka Zagon

Us...

$52.25

Lia Smith

$105.50

Layton Builders

Hope it goes well

$52.75

Belinda Glen And Alexandra

Sending our love

$52.75

Patricia And Ken Sharp

$31.65

Frida

$120

Graham Salter

A lovely idea -- enjoy the walk and the wonderful memories

$30

Ella Summers

$10.55

Scarlett Giang

<3

$52.75

Fernanda Greenough

Much love

$52.75

Chloe Langley

$208

Mikel Greenough

Xoxox

$100

Fiona Reeve

Dave is never far from our thoughts. His style, wit and talent - but most of all his indomitable love of his family. Best wishes for the walk! All our love, Duck & William. Xx (PS see you in Jan!)

$31.65

Daniel Watson

$62.40

Tristan Van Koert

$520

Agushi Group

Good luck guys

$52.75

Gardener & Son

Beautiful to have the opportunity to support on this important journey and day. Tyson, Natasha and the team

$105.50

Marita Smith

best wishes luisa.

$52.75

Melbourne Vision & Sound

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