Why Martin flies from Melbourne to walk 7 Bridges every year
Over the last decade, Martin Cowling has dedicated himself to walking 7 Bridges to help tackle cancer in memory of his sister Tamsin.
Despite being based in Melbourne, Martin books flights and accommodation to Sydney every October specifically to participate in Cancer Council NSW’s 7 Bridges Walk.
Not just a walk
Martin was introduced to 7 Bridges in 2017 by a friend whose father died from cancer. It was an especially meaningful invitation as Martin’s sister Tamsin died in 2012 from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
2026 is Martin’s ninth 7 Bridges, and he will be joined by Tamsin’s son for the second year in a row.
“This is Tamsin’s legacy,” Martin said. “She was such a beautiful person.”
“It’s been almost a decade but walking is still helping us process our grief and turning that grief into something positive that helps people.”
“Conversations on the walk mean some people talk about their experiences with cancer they’ve never spoken about before. It gives people permission to actually talk about a family member or friend who died. It’s a real privilege to be part of.”
Not just about the bottom line
Since the first 7 Bridges in 2006, more than $17.7 million has been raised by over 165,000 participants for life-saving cancer research, prevention and advocacy programs, and support services.
Initially Martin set a goal of raising $20,000, which he has since surpassed, but he has no plans of slowing down. “I’ll be happy to be wheeled around the route in a wheelchair. I’m not giving up yet!”
But while Martin has made such a significant contribution, he emphasises every little bit counts. “Even if you just raise $25, $25 is $25 for people affected by cancer!”
Support Martin’s fundraiser here.
Not just one day
“It’s not just about the event, we also see it as our responsibility to educate people,” Martin explained.
“My posts on social media are not just raising money but talking about cancer and reminding people to examine your body, if there’s something strange, go get it checked out,” Martin said.
“An early diagnosis may make a huge difference.”
Upon diagnosis Tamsin was given six weeks to live but she saw two more birthdays, which Martin partly attributes to the support she received from Cancer Council.
“Volunteers assisted our family through Cancer Council NSW and the services available. There’s a phone number (Cancer Council’s 13 11 20) and people who’ll support you,” said Martin.
“Cancer Council NSW put my sister in touch with others living with cancer so she had a whole network. You’re not alone.”
Not about the distance
Martin’s advice for anyone considering 7 Bridges is to “just do it! It’s a phenomenal experience.”
Upon registering, participants choose a start time and place. Pop-up villages along the route provide rest stops, food stalls and entertainment for walkers to reset and rehydrate.
“Bring a water bottle, hat and some snacks to keep you going,” Martin recommends. “It is so much fun. There’s a fantastic atmosphere so relax and enjoy the day, but watch the time so you complete the route before it closes.”
For anyone worried about walking 28km, “give yourself permission to not finish,” Martin suggests. Shuttle buses circle the route offering free transport for walkers.
Martin enjoys the stunning sights of the Harbour and surrounding bushlands, particularly a magnificent view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
“The Bridge is such a symbol of Sydney and you see hundreds of walkers streaming across it. Even though you haven’t finished, you feel you’ve achieved something,” Martin said. “We always stop and take photos.”
Martin encourages everyone to try the walk, calling it “at least a once in a lifetime thing”.
“It ticks all the boxes,” Martin said. “You can be with your family, you get out in Sydney’s beautiful nature, you’re exercising, you’re helping people with cancer … it’s a win-win-win!”
Take a step towards tackling cancer by donating to 7 Bridges walkers today and keep an eye out to register to tread the course in 2027
See also:
How a breast cancer diagnosis inspired $100,000 in fundraising