David Byrne

I'm taking on Cancer Council's The Longest Day...

This year I’m taking on The Longest Day — but with a slight twist.

The official challenge is 72 holes of golf in a single day. I’ve decided to do it twice.

That means 144 holes of golf, completed across two Longest Day challenges, to raise funds for cancer research and support.

Cancer research is a cause that is particularly important to me. I’ve spent more than 20 years working in diagnostic pathology testing and cancer research, helping to better understand, improve the way we diagnose and contribute to research aimed at improving outcomes for patients.

Over those years I’ve seen just how much progress has been made — but also how much work remains to be done. Advances in cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention depend on continued research, and that research depends heavily on funding and community support.

So, while playing 72 holes in a day is already a serious test of endurance, I fell to peer pressure from several Longest Day legends to join two different days, so lets make things a little more difficult and take on 144 holes in total.

There will undoubtedly be tired legs, questionable golf shots, lost golf balls and a fair amount of regret mixed with chafing around the back nine of round four (and eight) — but it is a small challenge compared with what people affected by cancer face every day.

I have started the ball rolling with a self dontation of $144 ($2 a hole), so if you’re able to donate, every contribution — large or small — will help support cancer research and services, and possibly push me through when the potato cakes, caffeine and Gatorade wear off.

Thank you for supporting me, and more importantly, for supporting the ongoing fight against cancer.