Unfortunately, when Samantha Hoggard’s Dad was diagnosed, there was very little information available about oesophageal cancer, no support groups in NSW and little funding for research.

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The Mark Grundy Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Group Inc (OCAGI) has the only website in Australia that solely provides information about oesophageal cancer.

Early symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion and reflux can be very easily overlooked by patients and medical practitioners.

To raise funds for research, Sam walked the Fingal bike track from 4.30am on Saturday, 8 February, with the aim of completing 40km.

She was expected to finish at around 1pm to celebrate her 40th birthday.

This was the second charity event Sam has done for OCAGI.

Her first was in 2015, when she completed a half marathon just before her Dad, Gary Shaw, passed away, and he crossed the finish line with her.

On Saturday, Sam was joined by over 50 friends and family and actually finished the distance by 11:30am, well ahead of her planned time.

Sam has raised $6022 to date, and wants to continue to spread her message.

“Dad endured some hard times after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Oesophageal Cancer tumours in his stomach, liver and lymph nodes,” said Sam.

“Being the close family that we are, we have all been devastated by his death and our worlds were turned upside down.

“My goal is to raise funds in collaboration with OCAGI, the only Australian organisation dedicated to OC and its research”.

OCAGI has three main objectives:

1. Educating the community about oesophageal cancer;

2. Raising funds for targeted oesophageal cancer research;

3. Providing support to the community for those diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and their families.

OCAGI is a non for profit organisation and all donations are tax deductible.

Sam’s go fund me page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/mifpt4.

By Simon EKINS