Armadale couple Michelle Chan and Nathanael Harrison are embarking on a remarkable journey this March, turning their daily runs into a mission of hope for Cancer Council Australia's 10th annual March Charge fitness fundraiser. While they are married, they are not competing on the same team, but rather, they are each setting their own ambitious targets, aiming to run 1000 kilometers and raise $888 each by the end of the month. For Michelle, the challenge began with a simple message from her sister, Agnes Chan, who lives in Sydney and works in medical research. Agnes encouraged her to join the March Charge, and Michelle, inspired by her sister's career, decided to take on the physical and emotional journey. When Michelle started setting up her fundraising profile, she asked her husband if he would consider sponsoring her, but instead, he decided to lace up his running shoes as well, inviting some of his friends to join as a team. Nathanael Harrison, on the other hand, carries a deep personal significance for the event. He has seen friends and family affected by cancer and faced his own diagnosis in 2013. The Cancer Council provided him with great support, offering resources and someone to talk to, helping him navigate the life changes that come with surgery and chemotherapy treatments. Nathanael is excited to be doing the March Charge and helping with fundraising to raise awareness about the important work the Cancer Council does. His message to others is simple: if something feels wrong, seek medical advice and advocate for yourself. Early prevention and catching cancer early is the key, and Nathanael's experience is a testament to that. Beyond the physical challenge, Michelle's motivation is also rooted in the long-term value of medical research, a perspective shaped by her sister's career. She understands that medical advances and research take a lot of time, and if we don't invest in medical research now, we won't get the breakthroughs of the future. It's a very long game, and it's not like 'let's do this today and we'll have a cure tomorrow.' It's years and years of hard work and breakthroughs later. This year marks a decade of impact for the March Charge, which encourages Australians to walk, run, or move in any way that suits them throughout March, either solo or with friends and family. By taking part, you'll be reducing your cancer risk, promoting physical activity, and helping raise vital funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services. Donations can be made to Michelle Chan (https://www.themarchcharge.com.au/fundraisers/MichelleChan/2026) and Nathanael Harrison (https://www.themarchcharge.com.au/fundraisers/nathanaelharrison/2026) through their fundraising pages.
