Launceston Church Grammar’s Grade 12 students continue in the footsteps of those that have gone before by completing an annual Walkathon, which this year celebrates its 60th Anniversary.
This historic rite of passage includes an 80-kilometre walk over 24 hours to raise funds for charitable causes.
This year, the Grade 12s have chosen to support the work of Sony Foundation’s ‘You Can Stay’ program, a cause close to their hearts due to the support provided to one of their own, at a time when it was most needed.
You Can Stay provides free accommodation for regional and rural youth cancer patients who must travel to the city for life-saving treatment.
In 2021, Launceston Grammar Year 12 Student, Miles Chilcott was diagnosed with cancer. The best treatment for his rare cancer was in Melbourne. Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay program provided Miles and his family with a 2 bedroom apartment at Quest at no cost while he was in Melbourne for his treatment over the course of many months.
Every year about 1,200 young Australians aged 15 – 25 are diagnosed with cancer. About 1 in 3 of these are from a regional or rural area and for them, the burden is disproportionately heavy.
Since launching in mid-2020, You Can Stay has provided over 13,000 nights of free accommodation for over 200 youth cancer patients and their families.
Funds raised this year will fund nights of accommodation in the You Can Stay program.
Donate here: https://www.sonyfoundation.org/launceston-grammar-walkathon