At its heart, the Pub2Pub is all about raising much-needed funds for worthy causes. Runners like Damian Parkes (pic.) and David Hurlow are great examples of this wonderful community spirit. They’re running this Sunday to raise funds for Cure Cancer Australia and the Stroke Foundation respectively… and they’re doing a brilliant job.

Over the years, Damian has lost several family members to cancer. And not long ago, a great mate of his joined that list at just 55 years of age. “When this kind of thing happens, you can sit around feeling sorry, or go out and try to make a difference”, says Damian. “I chose the latter and decided to support a cause that is actually trying to find a cure to end this terrible thing, once and for all.”

Damian chose Cure Cancer Australia. The vision of this organisation is to make this the last generation to die from cancer. This organisation funds early-career cancer researchers who are working across ALL cancers and ALL areas of cancer research. “They support the bright young minds that other funding bodies won’t take a chance on”, says Damian. “Before Cure Cancer Australia, so much potentially lifesaving research from incredibly talented young minds has gone unexplored. These guys are changing that.”

Damian set himself the goal of raising $10,000 before Christmas by running in a series of events, of which the Pub2Pub is one. As a local, born in Manly Hospital and now living in Curl Curl, the Pub2Pub is well known to him. In fact, this Sunday will be the 5^th time Damian has run in the event. With a few days to go, he’s already raised over $3,700 via Pub2Pub. He’s received sensational support from his company and may soon even have the Wallabies helping him out!

“I’ll continue to participate in events and seek sponsorship for the rest of the year and hopefully make that $10,000 goal by Christmas”, says Damian.

David Thurlow has a similar story. In his case, he’s chosen to raise funds for the Stroke Foundation after strokes plagued his dad for several years before he passed in 2012. He too is a northern beaches local and Sunday will be his 3^rd Pub2Pub. “I haven’t run it in six years because of an Achilles problem”, says David, “but I’m feeling fit again and the time feels right to give it another go.”

“I’ve always liked running but have never done the City2Surf”, says David. “The Pub2Pub just has a great local feel to it, but it’s still very challenging. That start on the sand separates the fit runners from the rest.”

David will again run the 13km course from Dee Why with the main goal of finishing the race. He hopes to have a total approaching $2,000 to donate to the Stroke Foundation after Sunday.

We wish Damian, David and all the other individual fundraisers running this year’s Pub2Pub for all the right reasons the very best of luck. It’s people like them who make the Pub2Pub the great event it is.

Our thanks to everyone who is running for a cause on Sunday. So far, close to $50,000 has been raised for many wonderful organisations. Remember our friends at Travelodge Hotels are offering a great prize for the Highest Individual Fundraiser. The winner will not only receive a trophy in recognition of their great work, but also overnight accommodation for two adults in a lead-in room at a TFE Hotel of their choice across either Australia or New Zealand (valued at $500 per night).

Click here to support Damian Parkes by DONATING to Cure Cancer Australia

Click here to support David Thurlow by DONATING to the Stroke Foundation