On Friday 13th, 2026, at Kurrawa Park boardwalk in Broadbeach, Perry Cross and Dan Boardman set out to achieve something extraordinary to challenge themselves and take on a monumental feat – The 100km Roll and Run.
What unfolded was not just an endurance challenge, but a powerful celebration of friendship, resilience and an eight-year journey side by side.
For nearly a decade, Dan has been Perry’s support worker. Through every challenge, every milestone and every inch toward a cure, they have worked as a team. There could be no better way to honour that bond than by tackling 100 kilometres together.
From 5:00pm until 3:45am, in pouring rain and wild conditions, they lapped between First Ave and Hedges Ave Broadbeach, tagging in and out at the Kurrawa Park hub until the full 100km was complete.
This was no ordinary feat.
Perry navigated his 300kg power wheelchair using a chin control, as a C2 ventilated quadriplegic, braving wind, cold and relentless rain. As protection from the elements, Perry (including his wheelchair, ventilator and battery) was wrapped top to bottom in ponchos, Perry was even wrapped in glad wrap to help keep warm! He pushed through conditions that would stop most in their tracks.
Fatigue set in. Perry’s wheelchair battery needed to be regularly recharged using a generator to keep moving. Despite torrential rain and cool night air, supporters gathered at Kurrawa Park. They tagged alongside Perry and Dan. They braved the conditions. They showed up – not just physically, but emotionally too.
Seeing people continue to arrive, in wheelchairs and on foot and head out into the uninviting weather speaks volumes about the community behind Perry and the Foundation.
The 100km Roll and Run was dedicated in a video message on the night, to Cure Crusader Ambassador and friend of the Foundation, Kurt Drysdale, and the Drysdale family. Kurt recently passed away but will never be forgotten. Every kilometre carried his spirit, his courage and the reminder of why this mission matters so much.
Dan’s contribution was nothing short of extraordinary – running an incredible 60 kilometres across the night. His determination, strength and unwavering support embody the very heart of this mission. Nearly a decade of support and still continuing to go above and beyond in ways that inspire us all.
A special mention also goes to Jane Boardman, Dan’s mum, who rode her bike for the entire 100km in solidarity – an inspiring show of family support and commitment.
To every supporter who came out, ran in the rain, stood in the wind, donated, cheered, and believed – thank you.
To our knowledge, a 100km endurance effort under these specific conditions has never been attempted before.
Thanks to the community of generous supporters who got behind The 100km Roll and Run, the challenge has now raised $13,603!!
Every dollar brings us closer to a cure. Every kilometre was a statement – Everything Is Possible.
