Sixty-one-year old Tony Mangan from Ireland is no stranger to ultimate challenges.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The serious athlete is on his second trip around the world – this time on foot.
He has been around on a bike as well.
In February 2016, Mr Mangan set off on what he calls a leisurely walk around the world – the first trip was a challenging run – to spread an important message:
“Life is precious. Early cancer screening saves lives.”
“During my world run my mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer,” Mr Mangan said.
“She knew how much my run meant to me, so I kept going, and that kept her going.
“We crossed the finish line together, and she lived another five months after my run was done.
“For this walk it just seemed fitting to honour her.
“The message is to get awareness out about early [cancer] screening and I find that people listen to the message better when I am not fundraising,” he said.
Over the years and the grueling kilometres many have sent messages of thanks for the nudge from Mr Mangan to get a cancer screening, he said.
Life is precious. Early cancer screening saves lives
- Tony Mangan
Today, Mr Mangan is in Katherine hoping to speak to more people about the importance of early screening.
On his way from Mt Isa, he is no stranger to the straight Stuart Highway, having run through five years ago.
“I was really excited to get back to Katherine, people are very friendly here.
“I definitely have to thank the Ibis, where I am staying right now. They sponsored me five years ago, it feels like I never left.
“When I reach Darwin I will have walked about 23,300 kilometres since I left Ireland.
“I have extended my trip because I feel that people are really listening to my message here.
“People always ask me about how many shoes I have been through.
“Sixteen this trip, and I am just about ready to discard my latest pair,” he said.
Mr Mangan tries to get in about 30 kilometres per day but often stops and talks to interested passersby to spread his message or just have a chat.
“It is the ultimate challenge, my body has taken a bit of battering.
“At the end of my world run I said ‘never again’ but look at me now.”
To support Mr Mangan on his world walk, small donations can be made on his website here.
Read more:
