After running the equivalent of 10 marathons and cycling 1,200km in just 30 days, Trent Robertson crossed the finish line in Noosa on Tuesday to cheers, tears and a $100,000 fundraising triumph for Neuroblastoma Australia.
The Melbourne dad took on the ‘Noosa for Neuro’ challenge in honour of Oli, a family friend’s son who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just two years old.
Now seven, Oli has completed treatment and was able to cheer Trent on during his journey.
Oli’s aunt Ali Karageorgiou said, “We’re just so proud of him and wanted to give him a big hug and say thank you.“
“We’re absolutely gob smacked at all of the organising, the training, and the dedication that he’s displayed to get to this point.
“Oli’s absolutely wrapped that he is doing this. We’ve been through the trenches, we know that feeling of horror and heartbreak.
“Any bit of hope is powerful and so I hope that families going through this journey can watch Trent and see the good he’s doing and know that things hopefully will change in the future.“
Throughout September, Trent endured temperatures from near freezing mornings in Melbourne to 30-degree days in Noosa, pushing through rough terrain in Too-Rour Plantation and Deer Reserve State Forest.
By day three, he was battling an Achilles injury, but refused to quit.
“My right Achilles hasn’t got any better since day three but it’s nothing compared to what these kids start their lives with so that’s just my little bit of pain,“ Trent said.
“I’m pretty exhausted and a bit emotional now. It’s the end of a long 30 days so it’s good to finish here in beautiful Noosa.
“I couldn’t be happier or prouder of everyone’s effort. There’s so many people behind the scenes that have helped me.“
Trent’s mum Robin said she was emotional to see her son reach the finish line.
“He’s helped so many people and so many people have helped him along the way,“ Robin said.
Neuroblastoma tragically claims more lives of children under five than any other cancer, with an average survival rate of just 50 per cent for the most aggressive cases.
Neuroblastoma Australia chief executive officer Lucy Jones said Trent’s commitment was both moving and powerful.
“Trent’s journey is inspiring, not only because of the extreme physical challenge, but because he’s doing it for children like Oli,“ she said.
“His efforts help fund vital research enabling better treatments to be developed giving families hope for the future.”
As Childhood Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Trent’s finish line in Noosa marks more than the end of a gruelling journey, it marks a step towards hope.
Donations can still be made at noosa-for-neuro.raiselysite.com/
