It’s quite rare to see a human Lego-Man walking along the highway on a casual day.
And if you do, you might wonder why.
Meet Alex McIntyre, 36, and he is the South East’s Human Lego-Man with a purpose.
Mr McIntyre promised his mother, Livvy Reiter, that he would walk the 100km from Naracoorte to Mount Gambier to raise money for the Cancer Council South Australia before she died from breast cancer seven years ago.
“I am doing it for cancer,” Mr Mclntyre told The [Naracoorte Community] News as he started his 100-kilometre walk on September 27 from Naracoorte Town Square to raise $8000 for the Cancer Council.
“I’m challenging myself to get active to support the Cancer Council in their mission for a cancer-free future.
“Because 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, I’m putting my body to the test to raise funds and show my support.
When asked why he prefers to dress like Lego-Man, Mr McIntyre said it was sentimental.
“I’m dressing up as Lego-Man because the original suit was created by my mum and me. It was the first suit for me.
“My mum was my big inspiration because having someone there with you allows you to be happy.
I’d glue the outfit, and she would keep sewing it to keep it strong.
“So, when I knew about my mum’s condition, I told her that one day I would wear this suit and walk to raise funds for cancer and cancer research.
“I am completing the walk for her.”
When Mr McIntyre’s mum was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, he decided to auction off his suit to raise funds for the Cancer Council, but that didn’t happen.
A year later, his mum died.
“This journey is important because so many people are affected by cancer, and I wanted to give back.
“My target is to get much money to allow for cancer research, we all want a cancer-free world.”
The Mount Gambier man had a simple message for those affected and battling cancer.
“Please be hopeful. I hoped for my mum to get better.”
He has called on people living in the Limestone Coast region to sponsor him to support cancer research and provide vital services for Australians living with the killer disease.
“To those who have donated, thank you for your generous donation. Together, we can free the future from cancer.”
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
