MOUNT Gambier welcomed a generous group of cyclists on their grueling yet inspirational journey from Adelaide to Melbourne this week as part of the 2018 Road Raise ride.
Pedalling their way along the 1060km journey, the team of 20 raised funds for CanTeen, which supports young people when cancer turns their world upside down.
The eclectic mix of amateur athletes, corporate types and a few celebrities including House Rules’ James “Harry” Harris and Australian Rules Football legend Michael Wilson are pedalling up to 200km per day first through Meningie, Robe and Mount Gambier and on to Apollo Bay, Geelong and finally Melbourne on Friday.
Holding a personal connection to the terrible disease which claims thousands of lives each year, Mr Wilson is doing all he can to help those going through the battle like his son has after being diagnosed with a rare brain tumor in
2015.
“Tom’s doing really well now, but his experience brings to mind the other young people doing it tough with cancer,” he said.
“For the Road Raise team to have even some small effect on helping these young people build coping and resilience skills that will last them a lifetime is priceless.”
Since the event was first held in 2015, riders have raised more than $300,000 and this year raised another $200,000 before the ride even started.
“Each rider had to raise a minimum of $5000 to take part in the ride, but many have gone above and beyond that with seven riders raising over $10,000 and one raising $26,000,” CanTeen’s partnerships manager Jodi Farley said.
“Since starting the ride we have continued to raise more money, including $12,000 in just one night at a function in Robe.”
Although challenging, Ms Farley said spirits are high among the riders as they push through each day, eager to make a difference to the lives of others.
“We have two CanTeen members with us on the ride who have really motivated the riders through the journey,” she said.
“Hannah, whose mum has cancer, and Angus, whose dad passed away from cancer, have shared their stories with the group and shown riders that what they are doing is helping.”
The money raised will provide over 5000 hours of support for young people living with cancer.
“Every day, five young people in South Australia aged 12 to 25 have to deal with cancer in their family, which means they are up to six times more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than their friends,” Ms Farley said.
“That’s why it is so inspiring to see the commitment and dedication of these Road Raise cyclists which will go a long way to supporting young people through counselling, programs and connecting with others who truly get it.”
Visit www.everydayhero.com.au/roadraisecanteen2018 to support the riders and donate.
