In September 2017, Roy Amos was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. A key part of his treatment was a bone marrow transplant which he received in February 2018.

Roy says that today he is in a very lucky position. He says lucky as Roy believes it was more good luck than good management. Luck that he was diagnosed at all; luck that he was diagnosed in a short window after the disease was detectable and before it had spread further; and luck that the medical research had progressed such that the drugs and transplant were available to him without which his prognosis would be at best dire.

Thank to medical research Roy’s son was able to donate his bone marrow to save his father’s life. Without these advances in medical research Roy says that he would have had no treatment option or a higher risk of transplant failure.

Grateful for the success of his treatment, Roy wants to see further funds invested into medical research so he can pay it forward to other patients fighting this insidious disease.

With this in mind, Roy set out on a quest to walk 15km from Cronulla to Menai, raising funds for Arrow. A daunting distance for Roy who had never walked so far in his life, even pre diagnosis, however Roy says that the cause is worth the commitment.

Joined by Arrow Chairperson Mark O’Hara and family and friends throughout the walk, Roy was cheered on the finish line. Reflecting on the impact of this support Roy says that he found that “his friends made it easier – an allegory of what we go through during treatment.”

Raising $3,753 for Arrow’s medical research programs Roy achieved his goals – beating his fundraising target of $2,000 and finishing the walk in 3 hours. Better yet, Roy has given back to charity enabling further vital advancements in medical research to be made to save future lives. Congratulations Roy and thank you for your support.