Abigail Payne

Day 1... rainy day

Thursday 1st Oct 3.7 kms logged today. Lots more walking tomorrow! Share

Wow! Thank You

Wednesday 30th Sep I have not started tracking my walking (Still Sept 30) and I have reached my goal. So what does an over achiever do? Doubles the goal! Share

Why do this in 2026?

Tuesday 29th Sep

Thirty-one years ago this month, I was on top of the world. I had just started my first role after earning my doctorate, moved to a new city, and was eagerly looking forward to my career. Two months later, out of nowhere, I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. I was 34 years old, convinced I was simply too young for this.

Yet, here we are in 2026. I am celebrating my 65th birthday, and I am very much alive and kicking! Over the past three decades, I’ve shared incredible experiences with friends and family and enjoyed a deeply fulfilling career. If we met on the street today, you would never guess that I am a survivor of not one, but two breast cancers (my second was caught very early in 2019 and was an entirely different type).

I am here today because I’ve benefited from exceptional healthcare across multiple countries, a fiercely supportive network, and—crucially—breakthroughs in cancer research. But despite all these scientific advances, I still hear heartbreaking stories of those who haven't been as fortunate.

To mark the start of my 65th year, I’ve decided to give back to the research that saved my life. This October, I am committing to walking at least 58 kilometres. Why 58? Because in Australia, that is the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer every single day.

But let’s up the stakes: for every $100 I raise, I will add another 5.8 kms to my goal!

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