Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia is celebrating the courage and heart of Susan and her family, who have just completed the first leg of an extraordinary end-to-end hike of the Heysen Trail in honour of John, a beloved husband and father whose life was cut short by small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.
John was diagnosed with this rare and difficult-to-treat cancer in July 2024 and passed away in June 2025. Since the start of this fundraiser, his memoriam page has filled with messages of love and support from friends and family, a testament to the warmth he brought into the lives of everyone who knew him and to how deeply he is missed.
This July, Susan set out with her children Oliver, Lucy and Adele, and Lucy’s partner Max, to walk the first 400 kilometres of the Heysen Trail’s northern stretch, the opening chapter of a journey that will ultimately see them hike the trail from end to end. It’s a fitting tribute: John loved nothing more than being outdoors, and this trek carries his spirit into every kilometre.
Photos from the hike capture the family at the very beginning, gathered together beneath the Heysen Trail sign, before setting off into the landscape John loved so much. Further along the track, more images show the group making their way through the trail’s rugged, beautiful country. Beyond honouring John’s memory, the family’s hike is raising vital funds and awareness for NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia. Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma remains a rare and challenging cancer to treat, and every dollar raised helps NECA continue its work supporting patients, families, and research into better outcomes.
NECA extends its heartfelt thanks to Susan, Adele, Lucy, Max, and Oliver for their generosity, determination, and love in undertaking this journey. Their commitment to walking hundreds of kilometres in John’s memory, with many more still to come, is a powerful reminder of the difference community and remembrance can make in raising awareness and vital funds for neuroendocrine cancer.
To support Susan and her family’s Heysen Trail journey and contribute to their fundraiser for Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia, please click here.
Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia is deeply grateful to Susan and her family for their generosity of spirit, and to everyone who continues to support this important cause in John’s honour.
Pictured below: Susan in blue, Lucy in orange, Adele is in Green, Max in darker green, Oliver in dark blue.
