Operation Long Slog - The Magnificent 47

Welcome to my fundraising page, in support of the Cross Cancer Institute!

To whoever gets to read this, PLEASE take two minutes out of your busy day to read until the end and find out how you can help. 

No one likes to hear those words, "Cancer". But at age 42 this was my reality as it has been for far too many others. We had lost Christina's mother to Cancer 2 years before and the boys had already walked this path at an age where they should only be worried about.....well nothing! 

The growing number of people being affected by cancer or knowing someone affected by Cancer is nothing sort of staggering. When I told people, everyone generously asked "what can I do to help?" and the only thing I could say was
"There's nothing you can do for me, please just look after my family". I then had to submit and put myself in the hands of a team of Angels at Edmonton's Cross Cancer Institute. I can't say enough about them. I watched as they tirelessly gave love, support, medical treatment and above all, HOPE! 

During my journey, I saw fear, anxiety, frustration and sadness that walked hand in hand with bravery and beauty from those going through treatments as well as the staff and volunteers. 

I am just over 4 months in remission and I have a plan to give back to the Cross Cancer Institute that was so critical to getting me through this and to give a grateful father back to his sons. 

I would lose 47lbs in total and approximately 70% of that was muscle mass during treatments. I will be walking 47km (30 miles) with 47lbs (The same weight I lost) in a backpack through the river valley on Oct 2nd. This will be the longest I have walked, let alone with weight in one go since I started treatments, but if I can give it my everything, maybe I can encourage others to give a little?

Additionally, being a military and Police Veteran I have been contacted by other veterans and friends who know my fears of failure and will be joining me on the route. Many are going to be doing it virtually (Most of them are in England.)

As this grew, we created an event name and apparel where a portion of the funds will go to the Cross Cancer as well (Look for the links on our page) Please use #OperationLongSlog and this first years event will be "The Magnificent 47" 

Route: 

My route will be starting at Terwillegar Dog Park at 08:00hrs, heading on the trails towards Ft Edmonton Park, sticking within the River Valley upto the Walterdale Bridge. Leg 2: Will be returning on the same route until we get back to the dog park (approximately 20 miles). We will then continue to do 3 mile loops of the dog park until we reach the 30 miles. 

You can join us for: 

• Leg #1: The first 10 miles and get picked up at the Kinsmen Sports Centre (aiming for 3 hours)
• Leg #2: 20 miles (approximately) and stop when we return to the dog park (aiming to be at 6 hour point)
• Leg #3: 1 & 3 mile loops of the off leash dog park (Aiming to be 3-4 hours total but loops would be a lot shorter. (Supporters can walk these with ease) 

Additional information and help?

Link to the route: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1asy8ELTcawCXFHJTVDGgtl03fRbFVXUM

If you know of a way you can help or would like more information, please email me at ainsworth_5184@hotmail.com

If you can donate a service, qualified massage therapy, stretching coaching, supplying coffee/tea refreshments etc please reach out. 

If you know of any businesses that wish to support this event, please also reach out. 

• FB support page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2121765824672797

• Order a t-shirt

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUEkDQQSf9A2DTVr-7K2Ssjbrbifo8t01-ax7xRzzHJGix5A/viewform