In 2004 my mum, Catherine, passed away after a three-month battle with bowel cancer at the age of 54. In 2010 my dad, Ian, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. He underwent surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy and, although he receives ongoing treatment, he is fitter and healthier than he has been in years. He's eating better and exercises regularly, having taken up running. He completed his first half-marathon recently, at the age of 67.

Has it had an impact on your family?

Undoubtedly. Mum's journey with cancer happened so quickly and it was very sad to lose her at such a relatively young age. With Dad, my brother Craig, my sister Alison and I were keen to be as informed as possible about Dad's condition. We've been fortunate that he has responded well to treatment, and I think it was a bit of a turning point for him in terms of changing some of his lifestyle habits.

What prompted you to tell your story?

To help others who may have been through, or are going through, a similar experience. Also to highlight the factors that are in your control when a person receives a cancer diagnosis, including a supportive network, a positive mindset, moving more and eating better. As a physiotherapist, I'm a huge advocate of a healthy lifestyle. I don't think it's possible to make yourself 100 per cent cancer-proof, but reportedly a third of the causes of most cancers are related to lifestyle factors. I figure this is massive, and it's all stuff that's in our control, so why not do whatever we can to minimise the risk?

What do you hope will be the result of you sharing your story?

Inspire others to make changes to their lifestyles to be more healthy, for example eating better, take up regular activity including running/walking.

In what ways have you been involved with Cancer Council NSW?

I ran the marathon at the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival in 2010, raising money for Cancer Council NSW. I'm a Cancer Council NSW ambassador. I competed in the inaugural City Mile Dash in Sydney 2012. I'm a big supporter of CCNSW and all its activities.

What do you think about Relay For Life?

I was amazed to learn Relay For Life was the biggest charity event in the world. It's a great way to bring people together whose lives have been touched by cancer; provide support, share stories, and all share in the one activity. I think when people lose a loved one or find out about a diagnosis they often feel powerless, and one way to feel like you're taking some control is to set a challenge, for example a marathon, run, swim, ride, relay. It all ties in with the healthy anti-cancer message of "get moving".

Why do you think people should support Relay For Life?

It's a fantastic example of the community coming together to get behind an important cause, share stories and support anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. Raising funds to help the great work done by CCNSW is also very important, and the fact that Relay For Life encourages people to get moving to achieve this is great for promoting a healthier community.

Tell us about the Midnight 5K.

In order to spark some added interest in the Newcastle/Lake Mac Relay For Life, in 2013 we decided to hold a five-kilometre fun run starting at midnight. Following on from the success of events like Parkrun and other running events in the Hunter, the running community really embraced the concept, with more than 130 people completing the 12½ laps of the track, some in their pyjamas holding onto teddy bears. I look forward to seeing even bigger numbers back on the track again this year.