Climbers against Cancer celebrates first year!

A year has passed since Climbers against Cancer the initiative aimed at raising awareness and gathering funds for cancer research, was founded by John Ellison following his diagnosis of this illness. A year in which the coloured CAC T-shirts have burst onto the climbing scene, from indoor gyms to the world's most inhospitable peaks , worn by the very best climbers as well as absolute beginners. All united by the idea that cancer is an illness that one can and must talk about, and against which one needs to fight.

The charity is of course no-profit and, according to Ellison, the figures are "amazing and astonishing": in a mere 12 months circa €230,000 euro ($315,000) have been raised and 14,000 T-shirts have been printed. Ellison explains "It would also be a good time to point out that none of the money raised has been used for administrative costs. Other than the cost of goods and shipping, all of the money raised goes to cancer research. Everyone (including myself) involved in the charity does so on a voluntary basis - and in many cases at a cost to themselves."

Apart from this important first anniversary, Climbers against Cancer also celebrates two important recognitions: the "Golden Piton" awarded by Climbing Magazine for its social impact and the Communication - Social Awareness prize awarded by ISPO, one of the world's most important outdoor trade fairs that opens its doors in Munich tomorrow. Ellison will be there, to represent the charity and all those climbers who have chosen to wear a CAC t-shirt.


25/01/2013 - Climbers against cancer, interview with John Ellison