Helicopter pilot Lewis Moes, 34, took on a formidable physical challenge on Sunday 3 December, running the entire length of the Sunshine Coast.
The 70km run helped him raise awareness and more than $14,000 for the GI Cancer Institute in honour of his father, Eric Moes, who lost his battle with oesophageal cancer, a gastro-intestinal (GI) cancer, a decade ago.
“I’m walking around like I’m 90 today but I’m not feeling too bad other than a few blisters and chafing,“ Lewis said the day after the event.
“It took 15 hours but I did have a couple of breaks in the middle at Mudjimba and at Peregian to change clothes and have a breather.“
Lewis has a remarkable background, having transitioned from a successful career in civil engineering to become a helicopter pilot, working in tourism operations all over Australia, and currently living on Moreton Island.
The run was a tribute to his father, Eric, who was a humble and kind man, known for his work with local community organisations on the Sunshine Coast.
Eric was the president of the Buderim Cricket Club, which later named their oval after him, highlighting his profound impact on the local community.
Eric’s oesophageal cancer diagnosis came as a shock to the Moes family.
They rallied together to support him through a challenging journey filled with physical and emotional tribulations.
Eric’s strength and positivity during his treatment deeply inspired his family.
“Mum joined me in the car with all the supplies and met me along the way,“ Lewis said of his run.
“I had my brother most of the way next to me riding his bike. So I could definitely call on those two. I was surprised at the amount of people that turned up throughout the day. I had a lot of friends and family that joined me.
“Throughout the whole day the least I had running with me was two or three people and the most I had was 10 people. So that was great.“
The inspiration for this monumental run stems from Lewis’s desire to push his physical limits.
As a dedicated volunteer surf lifesaver and rescue crewman with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter service, he understands the importance of maintaining fitness and health.
“I wanted to do something crazy and outside of the box to push my comfort zone,“ he said.
“Yesterday was the 10-year anniversary of Dad’s passing so I wanted to try to raise money for the cause. It’s amazing to have raised this much. I would’ve been happy with $1000 but I randomly picked out $10,000 as a goal.
“It blew me away the amount of support that I got from friends and family but also complete strangers as well. There’s no words for it.“
Lewis said the heat was the hardest part of the challenge.
“The stretch from Maroochy bridge up to Mudjimba was the hardest section,“ he said.
“There’s not a lot of shade at that section along that motorway so that was tough.
“I had a broad brim hat, sunscreen and heaps of hydration. I was determined to get it done. It was the support network there that got me through.“
Contributions will directly support oesophageal cancer research and trials through the GI Cancer Institute.
Research in this field is essential, and there is much to be learned about this type of cancer to improve treatment and outcomes for patients.
Professor Lorraine Chantrill, chair of AGITG and GI Cancer Institute said, “Community support plays a vital role in funding gastro-intestinal cancer research.
“We are incredibly grateful to Lewis, and the many others like him, who go above and beyond to help not only raise money, but to give hope to those with GI cancer.
“Together, we can find better treatments and help improve survival rates for Australians living with GI cancers.“
Lewis Moes offered a heartfelt message to those who have experienced similar hardships.
“Appreciate every moment you have with your loved ones. Support them as much as you can and be happy and kind to others.“
“Remember you can help make a difference by raising money and awareness for gastroIntestinal cancer by taking part in a physical challenge or just donating some money.“
To contribute to GI Cancer research, visit challenge.gicancer.org.au/page/LewisMoes
