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Meet your fellow riders

Meet Matt Glaetzer: Olympian and Ride for a reason Ambassador

Matt Glaetzer is a South Australian Olympic Cyclist and also a cancer survivor.

Back in October 2019, Matt was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, having an operation a month later to remove the tumour from his throat.

“Receiving a diagnosis like that out of the blue, especially when I was so fit and healthy, was a complete shock. It was pretty heavy to get the call, but I’m also incredibly thankful that the doctors caught it early and I was able to get onto it pretty quickly.”

Now on the road to recovery, Matt is making his K’s count and is looking to support other South Australians facing the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis by taking part in Cancer Council’s Ride for a reason.

“The whole cancer experience taught me a lot of things and I now want do my part to make things a little bit easier for those diagnosed in the future by sharing my story and helping organisations like Cancer Council SA.”

Meet Pat Jonker: your Ride for a reason Team Trainer

Pat Jonker is a legend in the world of South Australian cycling. A two-time Olympian, 2004 Tour Down Under winner, and five-time Tour de France rider, Pat was a professional rider from 1993 to 2004 and has taken part in events around the world—but it’s Ride for a reason which continues to have a special place in his heart. 

A Ride for a reason Ambassador, Pat has been involved in the event since it started in 2009 as both a participant and a coach, following his Tour Down Under win in 2004.

“During my first few Tours it was known that my mum was going through breast cancer so when Cancer Council SA asked if I could help out and become a coach for the team after I retired I never hesitated. More than 12 years later and I haven’t looked back.” 

“It’s been great, but also at times very sad. I’ve seen too many people pass away throughout the years which makes me even more motivated to come back every year.” 

Pat has become an integral part of Ride for a reason, supporting riders by holding monthly training rides, providing tips on how to become a more effective rider and going out into the community sharing why Ride for a reason is more than just a cycling event.

For Pat, the event is not only a chance to raise money, it’s also a chance to meet new people and join together for a common cause.

“The best part of the event is meeting the riders every year and listening to their reason. The training rides are by no means a race; those days are far behind me! They are a chance for us to get together, share stories and exchange fundraising tips.”

Throughout the years, Pat’s motivation remains clear. He rides for those he knows impacted by cancer, which in recent years, has included his best friend.

“I’m thrilled to be involved in the event again this year by supporting Cancer Council SA and leading the Ride for a reason charge. Even though the route might be challenging, it’s nothing compared to the challenges faced by those impacted by cancer, which motivates me to come back year on year and ride for the ones that I love.”

So what are you waiting for? Sign up to Ride for a reason today and get the chance to learn from Pat Jonker, one of the best in the business, through his monthly training rides.

Fundraising tips

Do you know the number one reason people donate to charities? Because they were asked! It's that simple.

Below are some tips to help you boost your fundraising. After you register, you can log in to your fundraising dashboard to access downloadable resources and more!

Personalise your online fundraising page.

Let people know why you're raising money to help people impacted by cancer.

Get the ball rolling by donating to yourself.

Kickstart your fundraising with a self donation and show your commitment to a cancer free future.

Tell your supporters why every dollar counts.

Every dollar you raise through Ride for a reason will go towards funding Cancer Council SA's life-saving research, prevention, advocacy and support programs that help reduce the rate and impact of cancer.

Contact everyone you know.

Tell them what you're planning and let them know how they can support you.

Ask your workplace to dollar match.

Ask your boss and colleagues if they're able to support you by matching every dollar you raise.

Share your story!

Your story can help inspire others to get involved in Ride for a reason or support someone they know who is riding this year.

Contact Cancer Council to share your story.