'Wish You Were Here' Foundation Team wraps up their symbolic 100km journey in Crete for pancreatic cancer

The 'Wish You Were Here' foundation are en route to finishing their 100km trek across the rugged terrain of Crete today, to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Organised by Greek-Australian 'Wish You Were Here' founder Con Kanelis, the route from Maleme Airport to Hora Sfakion follows the historical route taken by Anzac, English, and Greek troops during their retreat after the Battle of Crete in 1941.

"Con always looks to bring history into things. Especially being from Crete, the Cretan history of the ANZACS is really close to him.", said Chris Stavropoulos, whose uncle, Nikita Stamatakis, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018. Nikita was the inspiration behind the foundation and was also Con Kanelis' best friend.

Nikita Stamatakis was Con Kanelis' best friend. At the same time, Con's friend Scott Hunt was dealing with his best friend Peter Grima's battle with pancreatic cancer. These personal losses inspired Con to raise money for Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia and raise awareness for the disease, which has a survival rate of just 13%.

Amongst the members on the trek are WYWH founders Con Kanelis, Ralph Kemmler and Jim Vass and new members of WYWH Adrian Balderston (nephew of Nick Stamatakis), Chris Charalambous, George Giakoumakis, and Emanuel Kanellis.

Chris Stavropoulos' son, Nicholas Stavropoulos, who's playing football for the Cretan team OFI FC, is also joining the end of the trek. Nikita Stamatakis is Nicholas Stavropoulos' great uncle from Crete.

Alongside his teammates Giorgios Manousakis and Nikita Sinolakis will be joining him on the trek.

"When I told him the boys were joining him on the last day, Con was elated about the next generation taking interest", Chris tells me.

'Wish You Were Here' has also organised other fundraisers such as a Kokoda Trail walk, an Everest Base Camp trek and a Gala Fundraiser Dinner in 2017 and 2019.

You can support 'Wish you Were Here's' initiative via this link. Every donation over $2 is tax-deductible and contributes to vital research into early diagnosis, better treatments, and support for patients and their families.

All images have been provided.