November 5, 2019

UOW staff go the extra mile for medical research

Team’s massive contribution to Michael Tynan Memorial Walk

While many of us were waking up to a relaxing morning, nearly 200 people, including around 70 University of Wollongong staff, were setting out on a 27km hike from Otford to Bundeena on Saturday, 2 November.

The Michael Tynan Memorial Walk is one of a number of challenges organised by the Tynan family to fundraise for medical research.

The University of Wollongong (UOW) contingent was the largest of all on the walk, and contributed the greatest combined fundraising effort to the challenge.

Of the $29,0000 raised so far, Team UOW has fundraised $12,893 and this figure is growing, with donations still welcome until the end of November.

Medical research projects receiving funding from the cause include antimicrobial resistance research led by the Molecular Horizons team, the MIND the GaP mental health initiative in the Shoalhaven and UOW biopen, a 3D printer that draws new cartilage into damaged knees with stem cell ink.

Organisers did what they could to ensure participants had the fuel to tackle the mammoth walk. There was a combined breakfast to start the day bright and early, designated rest areas throughout the walk, pit stops with lunch food and gelato, and the final destination, the Bundeena RSL, where participants celebrated their achievement.

Belinda Muir, who participated and fundraised, was eager to contribute to the great work being done by UOW via Molecular Horizons, the MIND the GaP and UOW Biopen. 

 “I think the work the University is doing through these projects is really important, which is why I wanted to participate in the walk and fundraise for it,” she said.

The walk attracted people, like Ms Muir, who are quite fit. But even Ms Muir, who has completed half-marathons before, said the walk was physically arduous.

“The day was way harder than I thought it would be,” she said.

She thoroughly enjoyed the social opportunity the walk presented.

“We all broke up into mini teams, it was nice to spend time together, we had eight hours to get to know each other better,” she said.

 Many participants took to social media to promote the cause leading up to and throughout the weekend.

 “My muscles hurt in places I never knew existed but what a great day,” Dr Katrina Green said via Twitter.

“Immersing in nature, loving our stunning coast line, exercising, catching up with colleagues, a well-deserved burger after party, all the while raising funds for medical research. Thanks Tynan family.”

The fundraising drive remains open until the end of November. To charitably support UOW’s contribution please donate via this website.

To see more photos of the walk, click through the gallery here.