Trent and Brooke Cotchin have been married since their early 20’s and together have produced 3 wonderful children who they are very proud of and love unconditionally. They are incredibly passionate about health and fitness and together try to create an environment for all to get the best out of themselves and fulfill their potential, whilst striving to do the same in their own lives. Having played AFL at the elite level, Trent understands what it takes to reach the pinnacle in sport having won the premiership 3 times throughout his 16 year career with Richmond FC.

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Brooke having owned her own business for a number of years, is now focusing her energy on their Pilates and Yoga studio further entrenching their passions of enabling the community to live healthier and happier lives. The duo also Co-Founded a positivity company We Are Posi that affords people a trigger when getting dressed of a morning with inspiring socks and other apparel that helps people show up at their best. Whilst carrying out their lives in a world with plenty of eyeballs they are very comfortable to be private and live within their own world.

Big 5 reasons why:

• Because we exist in this world to help or be part of creating a healthier and happier community

• Being close to someone in the brain cancer space has helped us understand the significant challenges there are with finding cures and the intimate details of brain cancer and the way it impacts everyone, particularly children. ( I also respect that many of the research carried out for brain cancer actually helps many other forms of cancer)

• The simple physical and mental challenge of running the marathon and pushing ourselves is something we have never done before, whilst I was a professional athlete, I wouldn’t consider myself a natural runner so this is very much a challenge for me, as it is with Brooke.

• To show our children that if you put yourself out there, create a plan, and follow through with it, you can do hard things, and in turn, have a positive impact.

• Because for so much of our lives we have lived within our comfort zone and bubble, and together we want to do things that are different, fun, challenging and create lasting memories.

Born and raised on Sydney’s North Narrabeen Beach, Laura Enever has carved out a reputation as one of the most fearless and accomplished female surfers of her generation. A 2x World Junior Champion, Australian Champion, and Pro Junior Champion, Laura’s remarkable junior career propelled her onto the WSL Women’s World Tour, where she spent seven successful years, consistently ranking in the Top 10 globally.

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Driven by a passion for pushing limits, Laura transitioned from competitive surfing to the high-risk world of big wave riding—quickly rising to become one of the sport’s most celebrated athletes. In 2023, she made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave ever paddled into by a woman. The following year, her groundbreaking achievements were recognized when she was named Big Wave Surfer of the Year and became the first Australian female invited to the prestigious Eddie Aikau Invitational on the North Shore of Hawaii. In March 2025 she was also named Australian Surf Industry Surfer of the Year.

Beyond the lineup, Laura has emerged as a powerful voice across the surfing, lifestyle, and creative spaces. She is a sought-after speaker, commentator, and podcast host, known for sharing her journey and insights with authenticity and passion.

Whether in the ocean or behind the mic, Laura continues to break boundaries—as both an elite athlete and a compelling storyteller—shaping the future of surfing and inspiring the next generation to chase bold, uncharted paths.

Elliot Garnaut is Australia’s preeminent fashion stylist and commentator. Recognised for his discernible style and exuberant persona, Elliot has earned a reputation for disrupting the fashion landscape with work that is impactful, compelling, directional and memorable.   A force both in front and behind the camera, Elliot’s innate ability to create and command a stage make him a fashion personality unlike any other.

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Big 5 reasons why:

• My immediate family has been directly affected by cancer with my grandmother passing, and my father surviving. 
• Running in the African savannah is nowhere near as difficult as the physical and emotional turmoil I have seen cancer cause. I want to raise as much awareness as possible.
• Carrie has done incredible work for brain cancer, and I want to support research and fundraising for any cancer in any way I can.
• Bonding with an incredible group of inspiring people for such an important cause is a once in a lifetime experience. 
• With no cure the only step forward is more research.

Tommy Little is one of the most exciting comedians of his generation, consistently performing to pack out crowds around the country. After appearing on TV screens for the best part of a decade, 2025 will see Tommy put through his paces on Season 4 of Taskmaster, returning him to his true love of comedy.

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As well as being an author and actor, Tommy is beloved across Australia as one half of the massively popular radio program The Carrie and Tommy Show which airs weekday afternoons on the Hit Network. Tommy Little has a gift for turning life's mishaps into riotous comedy gold. With his mischievous grin and irreverent charm, Tommy delivers laughs with a bold and irrepressible sense of fun.

Big 5 reasons why:

• I’m taking on the Big 5 in Africa because Carrie Bickmore is my boss and she’s made me!
• I recently lost a friend to brain cancer. I’m going to do everything I can to raise awareness and vital funds for research, in the hope that one day we no longer have to lose beautiful people to brain cancer.
• Brain cancer kills more people under 40 than any other cancer, and that is just unacceptable. We need to change this.
• Survival rates for brain cancer haven’t changed for over 30 years, we know someone who has been affected by this insidious disease.
• I’ve taken on a marathon in Antarctica before, but it was many years ago. I’m 15 kgs heavier now, so I’m hoping fear alone running from the Big 5 will get me through this one

Sam is passionate about making a real difference to brain cancer patients and their families.

As the inaugural CEO of The Brain Cancer Centre, Sam is determined to drive the research strategy that brings us closer to our vision: that one day no lives are lost to brain cancer.

His personal motto is “to always be in service of others” and he takes this quite literally.

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He has taken on the Point to Pinnacle 4 times, the Great Wall of China marathon and now…. excited to take on the desert for this incredible challenge all to raise funds to support vital research.

Sam has a beautiful family he loves to have adventures with, when he’s not taking on epic challenges to raise funds for research, his wife Sophie and is proud Dad to his 3 sons George, Rupert and Hugo.

Big 5 reasons why:

• 5 is a number that means a lot to our brain cancer community

• 1 Australian every 5 hours is diagnosed with brain cancer

• 5% of people survive Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and common form of brain cancer

• 4 out of 5 patients will die within 5 years of diagnosis

• 5 year survival rate has not changed in 30 years

We need to change this.

Gemma O’Neill is the former Media and Entertainment Senior Executive, including as Head of the Hit Network, Australia’s largest audio, radio and digital network where she crafted some of the biggest radio shows in the country. Following this role she was Managing Director for her production and talent manager agency, the Gemmie Agency where she negotiated complex high profile entertainment contracts.

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Gemma is now the Co-Founder of Besties, a women’s lifestyle business, and CEO of Three Birds Renovations. Gemma has her MBA from Melbourne University, she holds her certification in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School, and has completed the AICD Board Directors Course. Gemma is an advisory committee member for the Soho House and a mum of 2 young sons.

Big 5 reasons why:

• Carrie is one of my dearest friends and I’ve watched in awe for years at her dedication to raising the awareness and much needed funds for Brain Cancer research.

• I’m also honoured to be a Board member of Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer which I embarked on because not only did I have friends whom had been impacted by Brain Cancer within their families, but I was also frustrated by the lack of funding for Brain Cancer research and the devastatingly low survival rates for those diagnosed with Brain Cancer.

• I’ve never done an event like this and there were so many reasons to say no when Carrie asked me but in the space of a week I was impacted and inspired by the incredible Professor Richard Scolyer and also a young girl, Polly, who I was advised by a friend is 4 and is currently undergoing treatment for Brain Cancer.

• I feel I owe it to these amazing people to continue to raise money by pushing myself.

Kelly Power was appointed CEO Colonial First State Superannuation in July 2021. This role is accountable for oversight of the superannuation business, including as a member of the Trustee Board. In this role Kelly is also responsible for investments, product and strategy.

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Kelly joined CFS as General Manager Product in 2018, adding marketing and strategy and responsibility for the Wrap business in October 2020.

Prior to joining Colonial First State, Kelly was the Head of Platforms at BT Financial Group. Kelly held a number of other executive management roles at BT.

Kelly holds a Bachelor in Communications from UTS, a Diploma of Management from the Australian Institute of Management, a Diploma of Financial Services from Integratec and has also completed the Company Directors course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Kelly is a Co-Chair of the Financial Services Council’s Superannuation Board Committee and was a former Director of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia.

With over 30 years experience in the financial services industry, Jessica leads HSBC's efforts to build a bigger presence in the Australian retail banking market by assisting domestic and international customers with their mortgages, bank accounts, credit cards and other financial needs.

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Jessica joined HSBC in 2018 from Westpac, where she held several senior retail positions, most recently as State Manager, Metro NSW and ACT. Prior to that, she worked for 19 years at Citigroup Australia, holding a number of senior roles across retail products, customer experience, digital banking and marketing.

Jessica has a Bachelor of Economics, Finance and Marketing from Macquarie University, and a Master of Applied Finance from Securities Institute Australia.

In 2019 we lost our younger brother to a stage 4 brain cancer. He was healthy, happily married,  only 36 years old,  raising his 3 children under the age of 10 and had so many dreams and hopes for the future. The cancer hit quickly and it hit hard. He fought so bravely and had so much courage. And we could see the absolute pain he was in and how much any hope, any extra day, meant.

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So we will run, on our bad knees, with no real running skill in the hope that we can make a tiny difference in finding a cure.

Big 5 reasons why:

• For our brother Mick- in the hope that no one will need to suffer the way he did

• For our sister in law Suzie- in the hope that no one ever needs to see their partner in life who they love so dearly lose their balance, their speech their ability to communicate at all, and endure this type of pain

• For our niece and nephews Claire, Jackson and Henry- in the hope that children of people suffering with the disease can live with the hope that their parent will survive

• For our parents Janet and Fred- in the hope no parent needs to see their child go through this

• For each other- to work as a team to make a difference, to give back for the blessings we both have and to hopefully contribute in a small way to beating this

Brimming with life, Ellidy Pullin is a professional swimwear model, published author, podcast host, and solo mother after losing the love of her life, Olympian Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin, while they were trying for a baby.

Using pain as the power to open conversations, Ellidy uses her podcast Darling, Shine!, which she co-hosts with best friend Chloe Fisher, to keep her husband’s memory and legacy alive. She does so for those who knew and loved him, but most importantly for their little miracle, Minnie, through sperm retrieval and IVF.

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Ellidy aims to unite widows and widowers all around the world. Along with her and Chumpy’s family and friends, Ellidy has created the Chumpy Pullin Foundation, a charity that will provide opportunities for disadvantaged athletes to follow their snowsports dreams. Ellidy has graced the pages of Vogue Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and Harpers Bazaar, interviewed on programs such as 60 Minutes, ABC and 7 News. Some of her iconic brand partnerships include BONDS, Monday Swimwear and Cotton On.

Big 5 reasons why:

• My Dad passed from an aggressive brain cancer in 2022.
• When Carrie called me about the taking on the Big 5 marathon in Africa, I didn't hesitate for a second. My late partner Chumpy would be proud to know I'm pushing my fitness and setting this goal (being the professional athlete he was) which is another huge driver for me, I'm always striving to make him smile from up there.
• Chumpy's beautiful mother Sally is suffering with Lymphoma of the brain too. My heart absolutely breaks every time I hear this horrible disease taking over another loved one.
• I just wanna say a big fat F*K cancer in general...
• I want to do this run for everyone who can't, those suffering with their health, those who cannot run, and their caregivers.

Olivia Molly Rogers has made a name for herself as one of Australia’s most in demand personalities with her kindness, charm, professional attitude, and an infectious smile. Olivia has headlined national campaigns with global brands and hosts her own podcast “Tell Me More”, diving deeper into conversations with amazing people without shying away from the good, the bad and the real. With her broad reach across social media, Olivia is passionate about sharing authentic content centred around mental health, lifestyle, beauty and fashion.

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Big 5 reasons why:

• In honour of Francesca: I’m running for my beautiful cousin Francesca, who has brain cancer and is courageously undergoing treatment.

• For others impacted: I’m running for everyone in my life who has been impacted by this devastating disease.

• Supporting research: I’m running to raise crucial funds for research, with the hope that we can one day find a cure.

• Personal challenge: I’m running to push myself out of my comfort zone, both mentally and physically. 

• Awareness: I’m running to raise awareness about brain cancer, helping others understand its impact and the importance of early detection and support for patients and their families.

• To honour those we’ve lost: I’m running to honour the memory of those we’ve lost to brain cancer, ensuring their stories and struggles are not forgotten as we strive for a future without this disease.

Born in Israel and raised in Melbourne, Rotem has found his calling as one of the leading Melbourne based builders with a passion for changing the industry and doing things a little differently, whilst embodying the companies WHY of “Enriching people’s lives from the buildings we build”. Cobild’s vision for 2030 is to create 10 miracles, build 1 million square meters and positively impact 100,000 people along the way.

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A huge part of his journey in life is to live on his late mother’s legacy – forever living and giving. Each year, Rotem finds new ways of honouring this by following in her footsteps (literally) by pushing himself both mentally and physically to raise awareness and funding for a cause close to his heart, most recently completing a marathon in Antarctica. This mantra has extended into his business world where he can create a greater impact.

Rotem loves keeping his mind and body fit, through running, gym, endurance events and meditation. 

Big 5 reasons why:

• Honoring My Mother's Legacy: A huge part of my journey in life is to live on my late mother's legacy – forever living and giving. Each year, I find new ways to honour her by pushing myself both mentally and physically to raise awareness and funding for causes close to my heart
.
• Enriching Lives: At Cobild, our mission is to enrich people's lives through the buildings we create. This event aligns perfectly with our company's vision of positively impacting 100,000 people by 2030. It's an opportunity to extend our impact beyond construction and raise funds and awareness for a great cause
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• Personal Growth: I believe in constantly challenging myself to grow. Participating in this event is not just about physical endurance but also about mental resilience. It's a chance to push my limits mentally and physically
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• Community and Connection: This event brings together a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. It's an honour to be part of such a dedicated group, and I look forward to the comradery and connection that will come from this experience
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• Raising Awareness and Funds: Brain cancer is a cause that needs more attention and resources. By participating in this event, I hope to raise significant funds and awareness to support research and treatment. So fortunate that one of my friends is a survivor and this is front of mind.

Scott grew up in Bendigo, Victoria, in a busy household with four boys. Naturally, he followed in the footsteps of his three older brothers in everything they did, which sparked his passion for pursuing a career in the AFL (Australian Football League). He was drafted to the West Coast Eagles, where he played for eight years, before returning to Victoria to join the Geelong Cats. His family was fortunate enough to have all four brothers play in the AFL, and he considers himself the luckiest because he had the opportunity to play alongside two of his brothers during his time at these clubs. Throughout his AFL career, he developed a passion for finding purpose and connecting with those around him to make a positive impact. This journey led him to his current role as a coach at Collingwood Football Club, where he’s entering his sixth season, early years working in development and now as an assistant coach for the last four.

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Big 5 reasons why:

• Fighting for a Cause – Since retiring as a player, I’ve found that what I missed most was the sense of purpose that comes with fighting for something greater than yourself. There’s an undeniable drive in the heat of competition, where every play, every challenge, and every victory feels like a part of a larger mission. Transitioning from that to life after football left me searching for a similar sense of purpose. I’ve realised that fighting for a meaningful cause is just as fulfilling, if not more.
• Brain cancer, in particular, stood out to me due to its devastating impact on families and the lack of funding it receives. The more I learned about this disease - the staggering statistics, the lives it affects, and the lack of progress in treatment—the more I felt compelled to join in this fight. When you learn that brain cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and yet it remains underfunded, it stirs a sense of urgency. It’s not just about awareness; it’s about bringing change. The fight for a cure isn’t just necessary; it’s critical, and I’m committed to being a part of it. 
• Kyron Maguire – In the AFL, we’re fortunate to have the ability to make someone’s day simply by being a player or coach, often just by saying hello. The industry allows us to connect with the community and hear their stories. In 2018, the Collingwood Football Club was introduced to Kyron Maguire, a young boy who was battling brain cancer. His story was one of incredible hardship, but it was also one of immense courage and kindness. The impact he had on the team was profound. I still walk the halls of Collingwood and see the photo of Kyron being carried off the ground by Scott Pendlebury and Adam Treloar after a Pies game. I think about how beautiful that moment would have been for Kyron and his family, how lucky I am, but also how unfair it is that Kyron’s life was cut short by this disease.
• Carrie’s Story on The Project – Some moments in life stick with you more than others. One for me was watching Carrie share her story about her husband, Greg, on The Project. I vividly remember her looking into the camera and summoning the courage to speak about her deepest pain of the illness and the loss of her husband. It was a type of courage that goes beyond what you see on a football field, this was real, raw courage. As I watched, I felt goosebumps on my arms. Recently, I experienced the loss of a brother, though to a different illness, and the pain was incredibly real and deep. My brother was always there to help others, and continuing his legacy, even for a different cause, feels incredibly important. Although I still feel the deep pain of losing him, channelling my energy into a cause like the one Carrie has created feels like a meaningful way to make a difference.
• Raising Awareness for Brain Cancer – Brain cancer is one of the most devastating and underfunded forms of cancer. Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer is helping to shine a light on this issue, and by supporting this cause, we can raise awareness and educate more people on the critical need for research.

Comedian, television and radio host Merrick Watts has been a staple of the Australian entertainment industry for decades beginning his career as one half of duo "Merrick & Rosso" In recent years Merrick has shown his diversity by becoming a certified wine expert & judge, festival director at Grapes Of Mirth, SAS Australia winner and founder of hydration beverage Posca Hydrate. Mez is a loveable Aussie bloke who thrives on challenges. 

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Reason- I love a challenge  but I can not imagine a greater challenge than being a family member or indeed someone suffering from brain cancer. The Big 5 gives me an opportunity to participate, contribute and support a charity that is entirely focused on saving lives. 

Sam Wood is one of Australia’s leading health and fitness experts, entrepreneurs, and media commentators with 25 years in the industry. Best known as the founder of 28 by Sam Wood—One of Australia’s most popular and trusted at-home fitness programs—Sam has helped over 1 million Aussies move more, eat better and change their lives. Sam’s passion has always been the same: to simplify health and fitness and make it accessible for real people.   Behind the workouts and the business wins, Sam is husband to beautiful wife Snezana, and a proud dad of four girls. Sam and Snezana met on The Bachelor in 2015 and quickly became one of Australia’s favourite couples. Today they juggle family life with Eve, Willow, Charlie, and Harper and embrace the chaos of family and fitness. Sam is also the owner of The Woodshed Gym (Australia’s leading personal and small group training facility), is a best-selling author of two books and regular media commentator on all things health, fitness and family.

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Big 5 reasons why:

• I have a personal connection with someone who has been impacted by Brain Cancer
• I’ve followed Carrie’s journey and crossed paths with her in Tasmania when she did the Point to Pinnacle, so when she asked me to be a part of this challenge, it was an easy decision
• One of the promises I made to myself this year was to do hard things. This is definitely that. I like to stay fit but I am not a runner and this will certainly be the hardest thing physically I have done.
• The people. When I heard about some of the incredible people that were jumping on board I was genuinely excited to get them know better or meet them for the first time as we go through this together.
• I get to see Africa. It’s on top of my bucket list to do with my kids. Of course, first and foremost its to raise awareness and funds for this incredible charity but secondly and a little selfishly I’m considering it a little reconnaissance mission for a Safari trip with my girls once Harper turns 6.