Mr CLAYTON BARR (Cessnock): West Wallsend High School students walk 13 kilometres to Mount Sugarloaf and back to raise funds for a local charity. West Wallsend High have been participating for 17 years. This year the funds raised are for Breast Cancer Trials. The organiser of the event since its inception is PE teacher David Munro. The original motivation was a West Wallsend High School staff member Alicia Breasley who was diagnosed with breast cancer. This year joining staff and students was Renee Chandler who was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2025. Renee and her daughters Hannah and Olivia joined husband and father Deputy Principal Michael Chandler for the walk. Michael has completed the walk every year since 2011 with the students. Prior to this year, West Wallsend High has raised over $80,000 for various charities – they are aiming for a target of $10,000 in 2026. Local businesses donated prizes for students who participate in the walk to win in the fundraiser. The Cancer Sux walk is part of the school’s culture and an opportunity for students to demonstrate resilience and the success of conquering the challenge.
