Peter

“I was just 27 years old when I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I was young, I was a new dad and I had no idea what I was in for. I made it through surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with the support of my family… and then just a few months later I had some pain in the middle of my spine. A visit to the chiropractor, an x-ray and a visit to my oncologist revealed that I now had a tumour in my spine which required more rounds of treatment.

Thankfully, I’ve been cancer free for around 25 years now, but that wasn’t the last time I was impacted by cancer. Sadly, I lost my mum to bowel cancer 10 years ago and it’s because of this and my own personal experience with cancer that I’ve chosen to make my K’s count this March with Cancer Council SA’s Ride for a reason.

As part of the challenge, we’re aiming to have teams ride for 24-hours on the spin bikes at my gym, Trend Fitness Seaford. The challenge will see teams take over the handlebars for an hour at a time until we reach 24 hours completed. It really will be a team effort and every K we complete and every hour we ride together will help take on cancer by raising funds for Cancer Council SA.”

Kate

Kate has been inspired to do what she can to reduce the rate and impact of cancer after years of working in cancer research. This March, she is challenging herself to cycle 300 kilometres, while raising funds for South Australians impacted by cancer.

“Cancer is so common in our community that none of us are going to escape life without being affected by it in one way or another. Whether it be ourselves, our family or our friends. If we can make an impact on reducing that challenge that everyone faces then I think it’s important”

Greg

"I do it because it makes me stop and reflect on so many close friends, many of them who have passed away because of cancer, and think about the huge influence they have had on my life. People who have shaped my life. All of them played hard and were here on earth for a good time and not a long time. I like to honour them. As Tim Whitelum said at the end, “it’s about the quality of life not how long you live. You should spend your time with family and your friends, doing fun stuff and being good people. By fundraising for cancer research, I get the opportunity to remember them, so they are not forgotten’’.

“This is my 11th year I have participated. My goal is 1000 kms and raise $3000. I have started a bit early into February to make sure I reach my goal. I need to ride 250 kms a week. I am very motivated about riding again for Cancer Council SA"

Louise

"In mid-2009 and I was told that I was living with stage 4 bowel cancer, had years left to live and would be on chemotherapy for the rest of my life. My diagnosis ignited a passion in me to do everything I could to fight off this dreaded disease and it’s that passion that has remained with me ever since that day. Riding became my escape, with Ride for a reason becoming a yearly tradition.  Every year, I gather with a group of riders to form ‘Team Mishmash’, a literal mishmash of people from across SA, all with different stories and different backgrounds but one clear passion—to raise money towards a cancer free future.  I credit my cycling, together with a healthy lifestyle and visits to my naturopath, for allowing me to outlive my diagnosis. Even when I’m on treatment, I still like to get out on the bike as much as I can. For me, it’s pure freedom."

Dennis

"I can’t imagine much worse words to hear than ‘I have cancer’ from a loved one. The fear, uncertainty and emotional distress that comes from that is unfathomable.

I am glad to say I have not heard those words, but if I did, I want to know that organisations like Cancer Council are there to support me and my loved ones through the difficult time. Offering accommodation, transport and most importantly, support to answer any questions is worth its weight in gold. I support Ride for a reason to help the team at the Cancer Council, enabling them to support to those who need it most."

Mike

"It was just after Easter 2012 when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. When I was diagnosed, I took it as a real ‘boot in the bum’ and decided to start taking care of myself. Running my own business, I was always tired, exercised irregularly and survived on 3–4 hours of sleep too often. Following the operation, I changed my diet, cut down on alcohol and paid attention to what I ate and lost weight. I also started cycling and have continued my fitness regime of cycling 100km a week for the past six years. In January 2018, I celebrated five years cancer free and it was this personal milestone that motivated me to sign up to Ride for a reason for the first time.  For me, Ride for a reason is a chance to celebrate this gift of healing for our family and also give back and fund further research towards a cure."