Paddle Across the Bay is Australia’s largest stand up paddle event, travelling from Brighton Beach to Port Melbourne – a 10-kilometre stretch, an almost two-hour journey, and Lake Tyers Beach resident, Angela Ellis will be there every stroke of the way.

The paddle is a Cancer Council Victoria fundraiser and will take place this Sunday.

Angela had just run a half marathon when she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2018.

“Quickly, I had a hysterectomy, and had my fallopian tubes and ovaries removed,” Angela said.

“It was a whirlwind, something that I never expected.”

Fortunately, fantastic treatment and support saw Angela back on her feet after a short period of rehabilitation.

Angela trekked to Mt Everest Base Camp with her daughter, Paige, to commemorate the first anniversary of her diagnosis.

She receives six monthly check ups and is thankful for the support she received throughout her journey.

“These sorts of physical achievements make you realise that your life doesn’t have to be permanently scarred,” Angela said.

“Paddle Across the Bay is a great opportunity for people to come together, tell their story and realise that there are others around them.”

With 500 stand up paddle boarders out on the water, this is one of the largest events of its type in the world.

All money raised by the entrants goes to Cancer Council Victoria, funding vital cancer research, prevention programs and support services.

Anyone wishing to donate can go to Angela’s fundraising page paddle.cancervic.org.au/fundraisers/angelaellis

IMAGE: Lake Tyers Beach’s Angela Ellis, pictured with daughter, Paige, at Mt Everest Base Camp to commemorate the first anniversary of her cancer diagnosis, will complete the Paddle Across the Bay Cancer Council Victoria fundriaser this Sunday