Despite a diagnosis of oesophageal and gastric cancer, and spending weeks in the Intensive Care Unit, Tony Duncan miraculously took part in the 2017 City to Bay fun run, alongside many of the doctors, nurses and other health professionals who cared for him at Flinders Medical Centre.

Sadly, Tony passed away in November 2107  – but Flinders Foundation remains grateful for the hard work and generosity which saw him, together with his family and friends, raise more than $23,000 for Flinders Foundation and Cancer Council SA.

Read the full article as featured in the Sunday Mail below.

Doctor’s Orders for Team Tony

By Roxanne Wilson

When Tony Duncan ran the full 12k of the Sunday Mail City-Bay in 80 minutes last year, he had no idea a cancer diagnosis was just weeks away.

But in October, the 67-year-old grandfather was dealt a shocking blow when he discovered he had advanced oesophageal and gastric cancer.

What followed was three months of chemotherapy before major surgery in April to remove his stomach, much of his oesophagus and reposition part of his colon.

Now he is preparing for his next big challenge, walking the 3km City-Bay route on September 17. He will be joined by more that 50 supporters fundraising for Team Tony including his Flinders Medical Centre surgeon Prof David Watson.

About $15,500 has so far been raised for Flinders Foundation and Cancer Council SA. Mr Duncan’s wife Carol, 66, said their City-Bay campaign was inspired by a bet with Prof Watson and oncologist Dr Nimit Singhal.

“I kept saying, ‘this guy can’t be ill, he has just run the City-Bay – you’ve just got to keep this guy alive,’ Mrs Duncan said.

“And they said: ‘What do you mean he ran the City-Bay? That’s impossible’.

‘And I said: ‘Well, if it’s impossible , I bet you that if you keep him alive you’re going to have to run with us’, and that is how it happened.”

Prof Watson, who will escort Mr Duncan on race day, said the 3km walk would be “a pretty majot effort” for his patient, who spent a period of time on a ventilator in intensive care.

For Mr and Mrs Duncan, who hope to tackle the full route next year, crossing the finish line will be a moment of joy, surrounded by loved ones, including family from Singapore and Interstate visitors.