Crossbow flies flag for men's cancer fundraiser during Sydney-Hobart

by Heaven Can Wait Media on 22 Dec 2010 Rolex Sydney Hobart - Crossbow, a Beneteau 36.7 and Balmain Sailing Club's entry in the 2010 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, will be flying the flag for men's cancer fundraising in this year's race.

Crossbow, owned by David Cutcliffe, Dawn Murray and David Stenhouse, will be carrying a Heaven Can Wait pennant to help raise awareness of men's cancer issues, as well as funding for support and research programs.

All Crossbow's owners, and many of her crew and participated in the annual Heaven Can Wait 24 Hour Charity Yacht Race on Lake Macquarie, which was established five years ago to raise funds for men's cancer support and research programs. This year the event raised over $40,000.

The Heaven Can Wait cause has particular poignancy for Crossbow's crew: just before Christmas 2009, a good friend and long-time Balmain Sailing Club member Roger Patterson was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly he died in August this year.

Cutcliffe, a close friend of Roger's and who had co-owned a boat with him, said those on board Crossbow would be thinking of Roger during the race.

'Roger and his wife Vicki had done a number of Sydney Hobarts between them, and if he hadn't had this terrible disease, he would be racing out of the Heads with us this Boxing Day,' said Cutcliffe.

'He and Vicki had also participated in Heaven Can Wait events, and we are proud to carry the Heaven Can Wait burgee in Roger's honour -- and to help raise awareness of men's cancer issues.

'An important part of that message is men need to be more aware of their general health and well-being, and to see a doctor immediately if they notice any changes -- rather than thinking everything will be OK and leaving things until they are possibly too late,' he said.

'Our club, Balmain Sailing Club, has always been a strong supporter of the Heaven Can Wait Charity Race, and has had boats participate in it from the beginning.

'We are keen to see the fundraising potential of the Heaven Can Wait concept grow significantly -- with the aim of raising serious amounts of money for men's cancer research programs.'