Paul Rose

Paul has more than 30 years’ domestic and international executive leadership experience having worked for Cadbury Schweppes, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer. His most recent position prior to joining CanToo was as Global President for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. He has a degree in Business Management and extensive Board experience.

Paul has a passion for keeping fit and enjoying the great outdoors. Paul has completed the Kokoda Track, Mt Kilimanjaro, and Everest Base Camp, to name just a few. When he’s back down at sea level Paul remains active by kayaking, running, and playing golf.

Paul is also a cancer survivor having been diagnosed with three separate cancers in 2020. Early detection, surgery and radiation treatment led to each cancer being non-invasive and Paul has made a full recovery.

“Joining the CanToo Foundation and combining my passion for mental and physical health through wellness empowerment, whilst raising vitally needed funds to support the research, prevention, care and control of cancer is both an honour and a privilege”.

Gavin Le Roux

Gavin has over 20 years of experience in finance across a range of industries including cellular agriculture, real estate and funds management. He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and holds a B.Comm (Honours) degree from the University of Natal in South Africa.

Gavin enjoys running and being outdoors and helps out at his local junior rugby club.

“I have seen many orange CanToo runners in so many runs over the years and have always been blown away by their close supportive community and spirit. I can now call myself a 'CanToo-er' and it's great being part of this amazing community and playing such an important role in physical and mental health, and cancer research funding."

Conchita Casteigt

We know you'd love to read about Conchita, but her bio is coming soon. Stay tuned to learn more about the amazing work she does with our team at CanToo!

Kate Cooper

Excited to know more about Kate? We're working on her bio and it will be published shortly. Check back soon to learn about her valuable work with CanToo.

Penny Nolton

As Coaching Coordinator, Penny is responsible for sourcing the best coaches in New South Wales to ensure our CanToo-ers get over the line on race day fit, smiling, and injury free.

Before coaching, Penny had a career as an Art and Artefacts restorer working in Australia’s top museums but decided to leave the world’s treasures behind to pursue her passion for helping people achieve goals they never imagined possible.

A keen cyclist, Penny isn’t opposed to throwing on Lycra of any kind and is often seen on the running track or in the swimming lanes encouraging our CanToo-ers.

Lisa Polyblank

Lisa has many years of administrative experience which includes positions within the NSW Education Department and Competition Manager at Water Polo NSW.  In recent years, Lisa applied her Master of Counselling in her work with First Nations Peoples,  most recently a position at Wayside Chapel.

Lisa has enjoyed and attempted many forms of aquatic exercise, not always successfully. Her main involvement was playing, refereeing, volunteering and working with Water Polo community. 

Her son introduced her to Can Too, expecting her to find it enjoyable but not thinking that she would end up working there in less than 3 years. 

“Since joining my first Can Too swim pod, I have had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people and am grateful to be able to call them friends.  I have seen friends conquer their fears supported by the amazing coaches and experienced participants. Can Too has rekindled my enjoyment of ocean swimming, which I get to enjoy with others, improve my fitness and continues to create challenges.”

Lucy Boon

Lucy has 5+ years experience in the NFP sector and specialises in fundraising and business development. Prior to joining CanToo, she worked in the performing arts sector as Bell Shakespeare’s Philanthropy and Major Gift Manager. She holds a Master of Business from Deakin University and was awarded Best Graduate of her 2021 class. In addition to her work in the NFP sector, Lucy is a PhD student at Australian National University, where she works as a Sessional Academic in English and Drama.

Lucy is an avid runner and couldn’t be more excited to be part of the CanToo team.

“CanToo perfectly combines my passion for fitness and my desire to make meaningful change. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to work among a very special community and find ways to support and empower early career researchers to fight the good fight against cancer.”

Kim Cook

Kim brings a wealth of experience in marketing, communications and operations across the defence, transport, and not-for-profit sectors. She holds a Masters of Strategic Communications, as well as Bachelor's degrees in Science and Business.

Kim has successfully completed several CanToo programs, most recently conquering the Sydney Marathon in 2023.

"Working at CanToo is the perfect example of Ikigai for me – it's incredibly rewarding to be part of such a great cause while combining it with fitness and personal wellbeing. Every day, I see the positive impact we make and our contribution to the broader fight against cancer, and I’m grateful it’s something that I can contribute to and be a  part of.”

Kirk Zhao

Kirk (pictured here with his family) started with CanToo in late 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Finance and Master of Commerce. He is also a member of the CPA. He performs all processing of financial transactions for the Foundation.

“I’m very proud of being a CanToo-er. At CanToo I've met incredible Participants and work with amazing colleagues. I love the spirit of CanToo, to set a goal and never give up, you CanToo!"