Kayaking for Kemo Kids - from Brisbane to Sydney

On Sunday 26 January, five kayakers will complete an epic paddling marathon from Brisbane to Sydney to raise money for children's leukaemia research.

Bob Glenister, Mark Elkington, Dave McPherson, Paul Officer and Steve Prasser will have paddled for approximately 1,000 kilometres along Australia's rugged eastern coastline, supported by a volunteer Land Crew team. They will have stopped in 20 coastal towns and staged many fundraising activities and events, raising more than $40,000 in 22 days.

After 22 gruelling days, Kayaking for Kemo Kids will paddle into Darling Harbour as part of the official Australia Day festivities having departed Brisbane on 4 January.

The K4KK Team will continue fundraising throughout the year with a target of $100,000 to help advance microarray technology to analyse the prediction of relapse in childhood and other paediatric cancers. The outcome of this research will help tailor treatments much more accurately for each affected child, optimising each child's chances of cure.

The team hope to raise more money towards their goal upon their arrival in Darling Harbour on Australia Day at 12:45 p.m.

More information about the K4KK campaign is available at the K4KK website.

What: Kayaking for Kemo Kids - arrival in Sydney after paddling from Brisbane.

When: Australia Day - Sunday 26 January, 2003.

Where: Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour - arrival in front of Druitt Stairs.

Time: Arrival of kayakers into Cockle Bay - 12.45 p.m.

For further information, images or interviews, please contact:

Kate Elkington
Media Manager
Kayaking for Kemo Kids Inc.
(0438) 526 982 (mobile)
kate@kayanu.com.au

Gilly Paxton
Manager, Public Relations
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
(02) 9845 3568
(02) 9845 0000 (page via switchboard)