Sam Combes

Conquering Cancer in the Lab and on the Track! And I need your support!

I’m proud to be part of a Guinness World Record attempt: a nonstop 4-week relay around Princes Park to help conquer cancer. I’ll be running in the relay as well as contributing as an Event Coordinator.
Every dollar I raise will support Camp Quality’s programs for kids facing cancer and fund vital research at The Florey Institute.
I’m currently undertaking my PhD at The Florey, where I study the unique biology and neuroscience of brain cancer. Through my research, I see firsthand how every contribution can help fund essential equipment, cutting-edge techniques, and innovative methods that pave the way for life-changing breakthroughs for families affected by cancer.
Please donate if you can — your support will help bring hope, laughter, and life to many. Every donation, big or small, will help keep the baton moving and make a real difference. :)
Thank you so much for backing me!
Cheers,
Sam

Conquer Cancer: Opening Weekend!

Great to see representatives from Camp Quality and The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health supporting the launch of Conquer Cancer over the weekend!

The Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece and Aussie Olympian Jemima Montag officially kicked off the relay, setting an incredible tone for the event.

I’m pictured with Ben and Peter (left and right, Conquer Cancer founders), alongside the CEO of Florey (far right), representing the event as an ambassador myself.

We were also featured on Seven Network and in Herald Sun — fantastic exposure for such an important cause.

Keen to get running.

Cheers,
Sam

Helping Co-ordinate The Event 🏃‍♂️

It’s genuinely incredible to be part of such a dedicated team, all working together to ensure smooth, seamless baton changeovers throughout the event. The level of coordination and commitment on display is something pretty special to witness.

To meet the strict requirements for an official Guinness World Record attempt, I help verify that each relay runner is properly equipped with body cameras and GPS tracking devices. Every leg is carefully monitored by official witnesses, and all participants follow a precisely defined course leading into each baton exchange — all of it captured on camera.

Today in particular, I had the privilege of helping coordinate the baton change for Anthony Hannan (pictured), a Research Head at The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, Chair of the International Brain Initiative, and President of the Australasian Neuroscience Society, who then went on to run an impressive ~10 km leg of the relay.

Well done to Anthony and all the relay runners so far!

🏃🏼‍♂️🏃🏼‍♂️Running the Relay! 🏃🏼‍♂️🏃🏼‍♂️

An early morning relay slot to kick things off — with the Palmer Lab crew there to support each other!

Running non-stop for an hour is no small task, but knowing what’s at stake definitely keeps you locked in. The thought of dropping the baton and jeopardising the record attempt for everyone… let’s just say it’s a pretty strong motivator 😅

Keen to get back out on the track again soon!

The Night Shift 🌚

Keeping the baton moving through the night and clocking 15.1 km for the day! The legs are definitely feeling it — jelly might be the best way to describe them — but it’s all for a fantastic cause.

A big thanks to Conquer Cancer founder Peter for wishing me well before my late-night stint — much appreciated when the motivation needs a little boost...

(Lucky I can only upload one low-res image per post… otherwise my tomato-red face might have made an appearance!)

Hitting Over $3K Funds Raised! 🎉

I’ve just hit over $3,000 raised — currently topping the leaderboard for the Conquer Cancer fundraising event!

I’ve been really fortunate to use my roles across a few committees to help spread the word, including the Peter Mac Comprehensive Cancer Conference Organising Committee, Students of Brain Research Australia, and as President of the Student Body at The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health.

A special shoutout to Francine Edwards and Andrew Combes (Mum and Dad) for championing the cause across their workplaces — it truly means a lot.

To anyone reading this: I challenge you to set up your own fundraising page, get involved, and try to beat me!

Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported this journey so far — it wouldn’t have been possible without you ❤️