My Why

This has come up a bit lately.

It all started over a bottle of wine with a friend just after New Year’s. We decided we would do a triathlon. So up we signed for the Mullaloo Tri which was held in April. Once word got out I had a couple of colleagues already involved in the Rio Tinto team try and talk me into joining the team. I was like there’s no way I can do that. I’ve barely been on a bike since being a kid. So, may April rolled on and I survived the Tri (okay I’ll come clean, it was an enticer).

Anyway I get side tracked. Cancer has affected my family. I lost my uncle to stomach cancer around 20 years ago, my auntie survived breast cancer around the same time and my dad survived an invasive type of skin cancer around 10 years ago. I myself live with skin cancer.

This year alone my auntie discovered a tumour on her Liver and is now receiving chemotherapy. I lost my father-in-law within six weeks of doctors finding a tumour in his abdomen. A dear friend was diagnosed with cervical cancer. A colleague was treated with the same chemo cream for skin cancers that I used and another had suspect moles removed from her face. 

This is my why a future where we don’t have friends, family battling this awful disease.

When I signed up I hadn’t heard of the Perkins Institute before so I was quite surprised to find out that a couple of the initiatives that they are working on include bringing a new melanoma trial program to Australia and also they are making headway in the treatment of liver cancer. 

This journey has been tough. I don’t like asking people for money. I am not the fittest person around however this journey is nowhere near as difficult as the one I see my  friends, my family have to go through.

This is my way of trying to do good in this world, I can’t cure cancer but hopefully I can help someone who can.

I’m on a mission to defeat cancer.

Cancer has taken so much from us. Whether it is a loved one, family member, friend or closer to home, cancer is relentless.

I want to put a stop to cancer by riding 200kms to raise vital funds for cancer research right here in WA.

The funds I raise will go to the brilliant minds at the Perkins who are committed to !nding breakthroughs that will lead to improved health outcomes for those aected by the hardest-to-treat diseases.

Hearing the words “it’s cancer” is heart-wrenching. But with Perkins researchers, I am determined to eliminate the fear and uncertainty that cancer brings.

On Saturday 12 October and Sunday 13 October 2024, I will pedal alongside my fellow riders who share the dream of making cancer non-lethal. Your support can turn this dream into reality.

Many riders return every year because they know that the funds we raise go back to the Perkins. It is also a worst kept secret that the Ride is the friendliest cycling charity event in Australia. Why not join me in making a difference?

Whether you join me on the Ride or contribute to my fundraising page, your generous support matters.

Together, we can conquer cancer.