Dinner backs cystic fibrosis fundraiser runner

STAFF at the Hotel Canberra are rallying behind a local runner’s campaign to bolster support for people with cystic fibrosis though a fundraising dinner on Wednesday.

Next Saturday, Mark Oughton-Nicholls will take part in the Surf Coast Century 100-kilometre marathon as part of a goal to raise $10,000 in 2023 for non-profit organisation Cystic Fibrosis Community Care.

Oughton-Nicholls said the campaigning cause is close to his heart.

“I’m running this with my wife’s uncle Gareth,” he said. “His grandson Rowan is about two and he has cystic fibrosis. CFCC have been a massive help for the family in New South Wales.

“Last year, Gareth and I raised a combined $8000 and this year we’ve raised $2000 so far.”

The evening will feature cuisine from Surf Coast’s Blackman’s Brewery and Timboon Distillery, as well as a silent auction, raffles, and presentations from Oughton-Nicholls and CFCC CEO Andre Carvalho.

Oughton-Nicholls began running in 2021, starting with the 42-kilometre Melbourne Marathon later that year with his longest trek yet being the 60-kilometre Glenbrook Marathon about a month ago.

He said he hopes the dinner will help raise awareness behind his cause.

“Cystic fibrosis is rare in Australia. There’s only around 35 kids under the age of two that have it. It’s underfunded. That and the family connection is why I’m doing this,” he said.

“There’s lot of support behind breast cancer for example, but cystic fibrosis definitely needs a profile-raising which is why the dinner’s being put on.”

The fundraising dinner is set for Wednesday 13 September, with tickets at $200 and can be booked at Hotel Canberra’s OpenTable page.