Karaka School teacher on a mission to raise funds to fight gut cancers

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

A Karaka School teacher who has lost at least four family members to bowel and stomach cancer is on a mission to raise money for The Gut Foundation.

Kim Sutton is preparing to bike, hike and raft 243 km from the West Coast to Christchurch in just six days, to raise $2000 for the organisation supporting people who suffer from gut cancers.

Sutton is an adventurer by nature - she has done nine of the 10 great walks and has the tenth one scheduled for December this year.

But since deciding to take on this challenge for the Gut Foundation, she’s been on a new journey, learning just how far the cancer spread throughout her family.

“My mum's dad passed away from bowel cancer when my mum was 20 years old so unfortunately didn't get to meet him,” she said.

“Through doing this fundraising and talking to family members I've found out more have been affected by it.

“It's made my connection to people who have suffered from the various gut cancers even stronger and more meaningful.”

Sutton has managed to raise $870 so far.

Gut cancers include oesophageal, stomach, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreatic, and bowel cancers.

Collectively, gut cancers are the most common type of cancer in New Zealand, with more than 5,700 new cases diagnosed each year. Sadly, more than half of those diagnosed will not survive beyond 5 years.

To donate, visit: coast-to-coast-challenge.raisely.com...