Actor takes to unicycle for cancer quest

Australian actor Samuel Johnson will head to Broome this weekend as part of an ambitious trek around Australia on a unicycle to raise awareness and vital funds for breast cancer research.

The TV personality, known for his roles in The Secret Life of Us, Crackerjack and Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities embarked on the epic journey after confronting a personal, heart-wrenching question “what would you do if your sister was terminally ill?”

For Johnson, the question was a call to show the extent of his love and support for his sister who is dying of breast cancer.

According to Breast Cancer Care WA, about 15,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

While he’s proud of his many accomplishments, Johnson said nothing compared to how proud he was of his courageous sister who has spurred him on a once-in-a-lifetime mission.

The challenge, he said, was all about keeping his promise to his sister, to raise $1 million for breast cancer research, awareness of the cancer and break the Guinness World Record for the longest journey on a unicycle.

Connie Johnson, 35, a vibrant, compassionate and inspiring mother of two, has battled cancer three times in her life.

At the age 11, Ms Johnson, with the help of early detection and chemotherapy, fought off a very rare and aggressive bone tumor in her leg.

At 22, she overcame a tumor in her womb.

This time, the disease was found in her lungs, liver, pelvis, spine and knee, giving her a life expectancy of six to 12 months.

Ms Johnson said early detection was the key to survival.

Faced with the fight of her life, the mother-of-two set her brother a tough challenge.

What started out as a joke became a pact.

Actor Johnson left Melbourne on February 15 to begin the gruelling 15,000km journey as part of the Love Your Sister campaign.

He has already met a number of extraordinary challenges in his journey, and characters along the way, recording his experiences in his blog.

He will arrive in Broome this Friday at Divers Tavern where organisers are holding a charity night with all door donations going to the cause.

Locals are encouraged to come down on the night and show their support for cancer research.

Entertainers The Mexicans will perform in the Beach Bar from 8pm.

For more information, visit www.loveyoursister.org.

Follow Samuel Johnson’s journey around Australia via the Love Your Sister Facebook page where recent highlights include an interview with actor Guy Pearce.