Cobram local Melinda Bignell is completing the Sunshine Walk this weekend to raise money for the Regional Cancer Centre in Albury-Wodonga.

Miss Bignell lost her uncle to cancer when she was quite young and, for her, the Sunshine Walk is about honouring him.

“It’s something our family is very passionate about because if there was more treatment or something it could have saved him,” Miss Bignell said.

This will be Miss Bignell’s second year completing the 20km walk with her cousin Taylh Bignell, and they have been preparing by taking long walks around Yarrawonga together.

“I’m trying to make the effort to walk down the street, making sure we’re moving our bodies more and avoiding getting in the car when we can,” she said.

Miss Bignell’s personal goal was $500 and she has well and truly exceeded that, raising $1362 so far.

“I didn’t think that I’d make that but we’ve smashed that and I’ve had people coming into work and giving me cash so that I can donate on their behalf and it just blows my mind,” she said.

“Our team goal is $3000 and we’re about $500 short of the $3000 goal for our team so that’s pretty cool.

“There is something really special about a small community when they all rally behind you for something.”

The Cobram Lions club has donated $500 to the cause, and membership chairman Janet Austin said it was an “absolute pleasure” to support them.

“I think it’s great that they’re getting out their and having a go,” Ms Austin said.

“They’re using their initiative, and doing something about it and supporting something very worthwhile.”

The money raised for the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund will be used to support cancer services in the region by investing in medical equipment, staff training and cancer research.

The Sunshine Walk not only supports the patients that are getting treatment but their families as well.

“I think a lot of the time people forget that the family is also struggling through that sort of stuff and watching their loved one go through that and it’s something that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone,” Miss Bignell said.

“It’s a really good cause and I’m very, very grateful for the support I’ve received from the people in the community.”

“Thank you to everyone that’s donated because every little bit helps.”

Miss Bignell and her cousin Taylh plan to continue doing the Sunshine Walk every year for as long as they can.

The 20km Sunshine Walk starts and finishes at Hovell Tree Park in Wodonga Place, Albury on Sunday, November 9.

You can donate to Miss Bignell’s campaign here.

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Monday, 21st February 2028

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