Ten cyclists on a journey from Brisbane to Sydney stopped off in Cessnock on the second-last leg of the third annual Bridge to Bridge Cycle Charity Ride.
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Each year since 2011 Bridge to Bridge riders have left from Brisbane’s Story Bridge for the classic eight-day, 1000-kilometre trek via Warwick, the New England Tableland and the Hunter Valley, finishing at Dawes Park under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
These charity rides that are organised by Gympie cyclist Randal Bishop and a team of dedicated supporters have collectively raised almost $75,000 for the Cure for Life Foundation.
The foundation’s focus is research into better ways of detecting, managing and hopefully curing brain cancer.
Randal, who lost his daughter to an aggressive tumour in 2009 is concerned that while this disease remains one of the most understudied cancers – receiving relatively small amounts of research funding – it causes so much economic and social distress.
“About 1400 Australians will be diagnosed with brain cancer each year, of which over 1100 will die prematurely from their tumours.
“While brain cancer continues to cause more deaths in children and adults under 40 than any other type of cancer, it is concerning that there have been no significant recorded improvements in survival rates in almost 20 years.”
Fellow organiser Mark Driver, who has participated in all three rides, said that the events were a real eye opener to the extent that brain cancer affects Australian society.
“I suppose that is where gestures like the ride can help – ordinary people like Randal and the rest of us doing the voluntary fundraising for the necessary research – and building that awareness through the broader community of the need to tackle this dreadful disease,” Mark said.
The riders came from Brisbane, Gympie and the Sunshine Coast and while a bit sore by the time they reached Cessnock, had been blessed with great weather on their journey.
Randal said the group has received excellent support from councils, businesses and individuals both from where they live and along the way.
“The people of the Cessnock area are no exception,” he said.
“Even though it is our second last day in the saddle, we really appreciate these types of gestures. Without them the ride would not get off the ground to raise the money and the awareness required for brain cancer research – and an ultimate cure.”
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To make a donation visit www.everydayhero.com.au/bridge_2_bridge_cycle_charity_ride_team or www.cureforlife.org.au.
