Northern Beaches Local Area Command officers have taken on a ‘Dare the Boss’ challenge to raise money for the Children’s Cancer Institute.
As part of the ‘Dare the Boss’ campaign, Northern Beaches Local Area Command officer Senior Constable Sarah Batchelor challenged her Duty Officer, Inspector Susan Preston, to complete a 90m abseil in the Blue Mountains.
Both officers took the plunge at 5pm today, with the support of Scenic World Katoomba; rappelling from the cableway gondola to the valley floor below and raising more than $6,000 for charity.
Snr Cst Batchelor’s daughter Isla, now six years old, was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago and has only recently completed treatment.
Insp Preston’s daughter Georgia was also diagnosed with childhood cancer in 1999 at 18 months old, and is now a proud 18-year-old cancer survivor. She also took part in the abseil challenge yesterday.
‘Dare the Boss’ was developed by the institute, whereby employees can challenge their superiors to complete an activity that supporters can donate toward.
All funds raised contribute to research efforts for the institute – established in 1976 – which continues to be the only independent medical research organisation in Australia dedicated wholly to childhood cancer.
North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Denis Clifford, commended the officers for stepping up to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause.
"Many of us have been affected by cancer in some way, and for these two officers they’ve experienced it first-hand with their loved ones," Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.
"It’s wonderful to see them both paying it forward to assist in progressing the research efforts of the Children’s Cancer Institute; the results of which could make the world of difference to the next family.
"It’s also a daring feat to take on the abseil in the Blue Mountains. Congratulations to them both and thank you to everyone who made the event possible," Assistant Commissioner Clifford said.
Children’s Cancer Institute’s Head of Fundraising & Marketing Anne Johnston said every day children with cancer face their worst fears, so ‘Dare the Boss’ is an opportunity for executives to help cure every child of cancer by accepting the challenge to conquer their own.
"We thank Snr Cst Batchelor and Insp Preston for their courage and determination, and for raising such vital funds for our research," Ms Johnston said.
"With the help of supporters like them we know that a cure for children’s cancer will be a reality – it’s not a matter of if, but when."
Learn more about the Children’s Cancer Institute by visiting: https://ccia.org.au/
You can also support Snr Cst Batchelor and Insp Preston by making a donation via: bit.ly/daretheboss_NSW_Police, NSW Police say>
