Charisa Bossinakis
Just when local sporting legend and hero Alan Metcalf hadn't accomplished enough, he’s now attempting to break a world record by paddling from Bronte to Newcastle.
Metcalf will be jumping on a surf rescue board to paddle his way from Sydney's eastern suburbs up the coast to raise money and awareness for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
However, this is not the first time Metcalf has gone to extreme lengths (literally) while travelling via a paddle board.
Just over nine years ago, Alan set a paddle world record by travelling 137kms from Sydney Opera House to Queens Wharf in a whopping seven days.
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The spritely 73-year-old has already raised a couple of hundred dollars through a fundraiser posted by RUN DIPG, a charity dedicated to helping patients and families impacted by DIPG, the deadliest form of childhood cancer - the brain stem cancer.
DIPG is a form of childhood cancer that mainly affects children aged 9-6 years, who are usually given a diagnosis of 9-11 months.
Radiation therapy is the only treatment available, and only benefits 50 per cent of patients with survival rates extremely low, as 1 in 5 of all childhood deaths are related to the disease.
Institute of Cancer Research Professor Chris Jones, who studies DIPG, said to Cancer Research UK that the sensitive area where the tumour grows makes it almost impossible to treat.
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“It’s found in the brainstem and because of where it’s found, you can’t operate. Cutting the tumour out isn’t possible at all," he said.
"So for that reason, and the fact they spread throughout the brain stem and the central nervous system, they’re essentially incurable.”
Metcalf was inspired to embark on this journey after meeting local kids suffering from DIPG and decided to take matters into his own hands.
Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club will also support Metcalf’s journey as they’re currently looking for a corporate sponsor to cover the additional $2,5000 costs.
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Metcalf will depart on his expedition on April 9 at 8 am and he's invited anyone to come to ride alongside him, so long as there are no jet skis or powered boats.
To support Metcalf’s cause, you can donate here