Dr Ash Bowden raises over $100,000 for Cancer Council

Dr Ash Bowden, a Medrecruit locum doctor, uses the flexibility that comes with the locum work to pursue his passions. In September, Dr Bowden (AKA Doctor Do More) got the Central Coast moving for the annual #MoveAgainstCancer Step challenge which this year raised over $100,000.

Thanks to the generosity of the Central Coast community and the hard work from one dedicated doctor, 818 steppers were able to raise over $100,000 during September for Cancer Council.

#MoveAgainstCancer is an initiative run full-time by emergency doctor Dr Ash Bowden, which encouraged people to take as many steps as possible in September, both individually and in teams, to win prizes.

The flexibility that locum work affords is what allows Bowden to both work as a doctor and give so much back to his community. “The flexibility of locum work means I’m not going to burn myself out and I can put the most into this which is my other passion."

In just four weeks, participants completed over 190 million steps and raised a total of $101,176, a feat Dr Bowden said will be hard to beat next year.

"It is the second year we have run the #MoveAgainstCancer step challenge. I am so impressed with how many people got involved and how much money we raised. The community has been so generous considering the pandemic and the hardship it has caused so many," Dr Bowden said.

Community Relations Coordinator for Cancer Council Central Coast, Jaynie Moloney, worked closely with Dr Ash and said she is overwhelmed with the community's kindness. "Raising $100,000 is a massive achievement and it will have a profound impact on the cancer patients who need it the most. As well as the positive health benefits gained from those participating, the funds raised will support local cancer patients and fund critical research," Moloney said.

"Do More is about improving health and happiness through physical activity. My own experience with exercise and research into the effects of physical activity on health shows an incredible relationship between the two. The goal is as simple as increasing the amount of movement we do and I’m confident this will improve health," said Dr Ash.

Over ten local businesses supported #MoveAgainstCancer by donating prizes to be given to the winners of the five categories, Medrecruit was one of these.