Two Melbourne walkers, Jarrad Archer and Sam Foote arrived to a standing ovation from 300 delegates at the start of The Australian Lung Cancer Conference on October 9 after completing a grueling 24 day walk from Adelaide to Melbourne in memory of a close mate, Matt Pusey, who died from lung cancer.

In an emotional speech to lung cancer delegates from around Australia and overseas, Jarrad Archer said that he hopes others will continue the walk next year to help raise awareness about lung cancer and the need for greater empathy and support for patients and their families.

“Matt, (a never smoker) lived his life to the full, but was very aware of the general lack of empathy and support for lung cancer patients and their families in the community”, Jarrad said. 

Jarrad and Sam were supported on their walk by family and friends.  Their greatest supporter, Jarrad’s Father, Bruce, did an amazing job as driver and general morale booster throughout the walk.

“We meet some pretty amazing people on the road and this was an experience the boys (Jarrad and Sam) and I will never forget”, Bruce Archer said.

On the final day of the walk, Jarrad and Sam were joined by Matt Pusey’s Mum Sue, Matt’s lung cancer nurse, Mary Duffy, from Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, and Warragul lung cancer patient, Karen Munro.

Karen Munro was so inspired by Jarrad and Sam’s efforts she plans to cycle from Adelaide to Melbourne in January 2011 after the Tour Down Under to raise funds and awareness of lung cancer.

The Matt Pusey walkers and their supporters raised more than $15,000 for lung cancer patient support initiatives.

To donate to the Matt Pusey Walk or for further stories of their extraordinary walk, go to http://www.everydayhero.com.au/jarrad_archer or http://www.everydayhero.com.au/sam_foote

To see the photo gallery go to http://www.kjlcn.org.au/slides/PHPSlideshow/phpslideshow.php

Content updated December 2, 2010