If not me then who? If not now then when?
WHAT: On 1st FEBRUARY 2022 I will put Capt. YODA (a BAY SPORTS Expedition 3 single seat kayak) in to the Murray River at the Hume Dam in NSW, to begin a 2220kms SOLO paddle to the Murray mouth near Goolwa, South Australia.
The expedition is expected to take between 6-8 weeks (not including lockdowns).
I will be 60 years old.
WHY: Prostate cancer threatens the lives of 1 in 6 Aussie men. I’m raising funds today to save men’s lives tomorrow.
In 2005 my Step-Dad (who married my Mum and became my Dad in 1976) died from aggressive prostate cancer, which had been first diagnosed less than 12 months earlier. He was 79 years old and had up until then never spent a day in hospital, or had much more than a bad dose of flu. I still miss his Dad-jokes and the endless stories of his days in the Royal Signals Corp serving in the Middle East at the end of the Second World War. Recently another and much younger very close family member has been diagnosed with this insidious disease.
My Mother died from pancreatic cancer, my Uncle from brain cancer, and my beloved grandmother (who raised me) from cancer of the stomach.
Cancer in all of its forms is the true scourge of humanity. To advance research into effective treatments, and one day to hopefully find cures, research bodies need our help with funding. To provide extensive treatment options and care facilities, providers need our help with funding. Help me to help THEM to shape a better future for all of us.
WHO: You can make a massive difference by committing to give a tax-deductible donation today.
If I can train (since January 1st 2021) to paddle 2220kms SOLO - surely you can donate just a few dollars?
On behalf of the 16,700 men who will be diagnosed this year – thank you!
My Updates

Where next?
Sunday 14th Aug This journey is over, and with Jamie’s passing there is time to grieve and time to think.

In memoriam - Jamie Hancock
Saturday 14th May On Feb 1st 2022 I put my kayak in the Murray River at the Hume Dam weir in NSW, to paddle 2220kms to the Southern Ocean in SA with one cause and reason in mind - raising money for prostate cancer research.

Final 25kms - DONE - Sat 26th March 2022
Wednesday 30th Mar

23rd March
Wednesday 30th Mar
23rd March
Wednesday 30th Mar
21st March
Wednesday 30th Mar
20th March
Wednesday 30th Mar

19th March
Wednesday 30th Mar
18th March
Wednesday 30th Mar

Made it to Morgan - 319 to go
Thursday 17th Mar

Moorook to Holder Bend via Overland Corner
Monday 14th Mar
Made it to Moorook
Monday 14th Mar
Martin’s Bend to Loxton
Monday 14th Mar
Could things get worse!
Tuesday 8th Mar
Belsar Island Sand Bar
Monday 21st Feb 1175kms to go. The river isn’t getting any easier and the landing locations are just as challenging. Having said all of that, I’m still on schedule. My body is the worse for wear. My bottom lip is chapped, cracked and bleeding. My heel has the remnants of a blister that will not heal. My left wrist is burned and scabbed. Plus now, an old injury from a motorbike accident, my unheeled left collarbone is grinding and sending shooting pain to my left hand. As long as I don’t hold the paddle shaft tight, there’s no pain (!!!!!!). Tomorrow night I will make it to Robinvale Riverside where I’ve got a cabin with a real bed waiting for me for one night. Hot shower here I come. Putting up and taking down the tent, air bed, sleeping bag and packing, unpacking and stowing everything on the kayak is laborious and repetitive. To have a “night off” is a true treat. Share

801kms paddled - 1419 to go.
Wednesday 16th Feb My first full day off from paddling and what a treat - I’m in a cabin courtesy of PENTAL ISLAND CARAVAN PARK. With the river so high and the banks so damaged with fallen trees and mud this is an extreme endurance marathon, not a fun run. I am carrying a satellite connected emergency personal locator beacon & my husband is tracking me via other means. This is not a journey for the untrained or the unfit. At 60 years of age I have trained for over a year to be able to complete this challenge and yet it is still pushing me to my limits. In the words of my beloved grandmother : “never, ever give up”. Help me to help those who probably don’t even yet know they have prostate cancer within their body. A much under funded cancer please help me to help them towards a cure and better care. Please DONATE. Share
Lockdowns and emergency surgery
Sunday 31st Oct
Thank you to my Sponsors

$105.50
Dean Wilson

$50
Pauline Merritt
Amazing job Glynis.

$1,000
Tailem Bend Auto Club
“The majority of our members are middle aged to senior men who are at high risk of Prostate cancer. Some of our current members have had or are undergoing treatment for this type of cancer and we have some who have passed members because of it. As a club we want to be involved in helping with the research and break through treatment of this horrid type of cancer.” Michael Holliday on behalf of the Tailem Bend Auto Club committee & members.

$116.05
Lisa Schutz
Glynis, this is such an awesome trip for such a good cause. Jamie is so much missed by so many people - one of so many men who suffer. I wish I could chat to him again. Vale Jamie!

$500
Tailem Bend Progress Association

$52.75
Nathan & Deb Schutz
Congratulations on achieving your goal. Really hope those grubs in the tinny got a visit from the law!

$50
Allie P
My friend Sue Morgan spoke of you and your amazing marathon a month or so ago. I have been watching your Youtube videos since then and although we have never met, I am in awe of what you have achieved. Much respect to you!

$58
Anne Savage
To Jamie and all those gone too soon.

$100
Richard Hancock

$20.88
Madeline Syrette

$104.40
Mr Jeffrey Vasey
Great cause. Fantastic effort

$60.55
Peter Nicolaci
Hi Glynis, well done, a very good cause and commitment from you. I missed you at the Council Meeting re: Amphitheatre but I know you were there in spirit. Fours years ago I discovered I had Bowel Cancer on literally the same day my sister died of a Brain Tumour. We will keep fighting and enjoying life. Best of luck. Pete

$15.66
Val & Vince Elkington
Well done Glynis! You are an amazing human being with unbelievable willpower and incredible compassion. Vince and I are truly proud of you. Lot's of love XX

$20.88
Barbara Hoffman
Well done Glynis raising funds and awareness for such a worthwhile cause. Your hard work is remarkable. Thank you xx

$26.10
Kevin Howard
Good on ya!

$20.88
Mark Davis
Great work.

$10
Annette Carter
Congratulations, well done, good on you, and thank you, so very much for not only the initiative, but having the absolute balls to succeed, i applaud you, respect!!!

$60.55
Elizabeth McGregor
Wonderful achievement Glynis for such a worthwhile cause.

$5.22
Kylie Thorsen
Well done Glynis for an important cause!

$5.22
Anonymous

$515
Wendy Bradshaw & Co
What an incredible journey! We are so proud of the woman you are. your strength, determination and courage to complete this adventure all in the name of bringing value to, remembering & honoring those who have and are enduring this dreaded disease! Well done you! Well done!

$100
Brenton Qualmann

$60.55
Dave Porter
An amazing achievement Glynis. Congratulations.

$104.40
ROBERT GOULD

$20
Judith & Trevor Johnson

$50
Peter & Margaret Squires (Old Tailem Town)

$100
David Buckland

$208.80
Liz Haby
Well done! Crazy trip. Thanks to Julie Rogers for posting what you were up to so we could follow along.

$208.80
Sue Morgan
An outstanding effort dearest friend. Enjoy your well earned rest!

$200
Julie & Murray
Just two more days to go till you hit the finish line. Absolutely awesome effort. Truly a selfless adventure from an inspirational lady

$60.55
Robert Alexander
We're seriously impressed Glynis, well done.

$500
Waikerie Men's Shed
Well done, good effort for a good cause

$10.44
Patrick John McNeill
Well Done - a very good cause.

$110
Lesley Reeve
You are a true inspiration XXX and have made so many people proud xxxx

$20.88
Anne Galliford

$61.60
Louise Long
What an inspirational effort!! Well done

$135
Julie & Murray
43 days done (6 weeks) 270km for week 6 – and just 386km to go. What an extraordinary effort from an extraordinary woman. Not long now and you’ll be home with the menagerie. Keep paddling, stay safe and give that river hell.

$135.72
Marmon Pastoral
Amazing journey and determination. I also lost my dad to prostate cancer.

$20
Steph Lee

$40
Linc : Friends Of Martins Bend
https://www.facebook.com/groups/673503947191045/?ref=share

$110
Marie Peterson
Truly inspirational, you are super woman!

$50
Meta Lambros
My friend Heidi who owns At The Hall cafe in Wellington told me about you and when she read your blog out about your ant night, I was in awe! You've inspired me Glynis on International Women's Day.

$20.88
John, Kylie & Ash

$128
Julie & Murray
35 days done… Week 5 - 256km. 1564km done, 656kms to go. Keep going, you're on the home stretch

$110
Rhonda Mik

$114.84
Jo Payne
Your determination at everything you do is astounding! Thinking of you all the time! x

$131.50
Julie & Murray
28 days done.... Battered, bruised, sunburnt, windblown and sore - but still paddling. All we can do is donate; you’re doing the hard work. Keep going Glynis and paddle through the pain. You’ve got this. Week 4 – 263km | Week 3 – 283km | Week 2 - 368km | Week 1 - 394km | Total for 28 days on the Mighty Murray = 1308km - over half way now.

$141.50
Julie & Murray
21 days done.... Week 1 - 394km - Week 2 - 368km - Week 3 – 283km - Total for 21 days on the Mighty Murray = 1045km. Nearly to the half way mark!!

$68.90
Rene Blanc
Life’s short …. Paddle hard

$60.55
Allison Semmler
Hi G, you are doing an awesome job and am super proud of you! Keep going you can do this.

$60.55
Sharon Rich
You are an inspiring and amazing lady Glynis !

$100
Betty & Mick

$114.84
Sue And Neil Rhodes
What an amazing thing to do!

$170
Pental Island Holiday Park

$62.64
Ross Allan

$184
Julie And Murray Rogers
14 days done.... Week 1 - 394km Week 2 - 368km What an awesome effort from an extraordinary woman.

$26.10
Rene Blanc

$20.88
Robin Roach
You got this Glenn's!!

$20.88
Shirley Drew
Hi Glynis, you are an inspiration. I wish I could give more. You got this. : )

$52.20
A New Dawn Cleaning Services
You’re amazing!!! ❤️🥰

$52.20
Helen Luke
Glynis, I am in awe of your amazing trek. Stay strong, be safe. Prostate cancer has affected my family as well. You are doing something awesome and we are super proud. Helen

$58
Emily Morgan
Go Glynis!

$205.67
Julie And Murray
I know you're hurting, but keep on paddling. 7 days and 394 km - Awesome effort. All good here on the home front. Stay safe.

$10.44
Annie Galliford
You are such an inspiration! You go girl

$114.84
Glenn Howells

$52.20
Mo Johnson
Hello Glynis - as the mother of my scientific doctor son who is research fellow in the Mechanisms in Cell Biology and Diseases Research Group at UniSA and who has been developing early detection markers for prostate cancer for many years (early days yet but possibly not too far away), this specialty is severely underfunded and grants for this sort of research are hard to get as PC is definitely not "fashionable" with those that give the money away. Thank you everyone who has donated and thank you Glynis for raising awareness of this devastating men's disease. Best wishes.

$52.20
Nicholas Zervas
Hi Glynis, thank you and enjoy ! I am a Dragon Boat Paddler ! Love the spirit in you !

$52.20
Linda Longmire
A worthy cause Glynis. My Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2007 and passed away in January 2008 I applaud your courage in this challenging adventure ♥️

$100
Rodney & Jenny Bolt
Well done Glynis. More power to you. Cheers.

$60.55
Steve Clark
Thank you for doing this. I am a PC victim myself.

$104.40
Sandra Douglas
Stay safe and Enjoy the adventure ... it is for a great cause

$41.76
Fiona P

$20.88
Anonymous
Go Glynis 🥳

$104.40
At The Hall Cafe
Good luck Glynis, I hope you have smooth paddling all the way :)

$10.02k
Jamie
What your doing is adventurous, brave and generous. Prostate cancer needs more funds for research and this is the leastI can do to help.

$50
Jacki Baldacchino
All the best Glynis! I thank you on behalf of the men in my family that have been affected.

$26.10
David Deane-Freeman
Well.done and good luck. Will see you in Goolwa on your last day!

$26.10
Lynette Fatchen
Good luck, not that you will need you are an awesome inspiring, strong, can do woman.xx

$114.84
Paul Kennedy

$25
Alison Platt
Best of luck with your exciting adventure to raise money for such a great cause (my Dad died of prostate cancer too...).

$25
Jeanette

$25
Jan

$50
Helen (CWA)

$50
A FRiENd ……. ;-)

$108.58
Hazel Dymock
Good luck mate. I know you can do it xx

$26.10
Amy Outdoors
All the best mate! I look forward to hearing how it goes, and well done for the fundraising aspect too.

$50
A & J McPherson

$25
Janine W
You’ve always had the biggest heart..& true Yorkshire spirit !👏

$108.58
Lisa Rowntree
Paddle like the wind G. You've got this :D

$52.20
Pria
What an amazing adventure to add to all your other ones

$100
Elizabeth Huntley
2220kms SOLO kayak trip FFS woman! If it were anyone else I’d say “you’re off your rocker” but I’ve known you all of my life and you are one of only THREE people on my life who DO precisely what they say they’re gonna do. Total INSPIRATION. I’d say good luck but I know you don’t need it so I’ll say “be safe, be seen and don’t ——ing drown you mad fart”. Love always Liz.

$20
Bree GOLDER

$104.40
Mandy And Caro
You are awesome!! Great cause and we are here for you if you need support. As Yoda says, “Do or do not. There is no try”.

$30
Jimwy, Chelsea, Archer And Baby
Save them we must!
Such a great effort! Congratulations Glynis