Cyclist Randal Bishop will again lead a gaggle of supporters and riders from the tenth Bridge to Bridge Cycle Charity Ride into Tenterfield on Sunday, May 8.
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Each year from 2011 until 2019, Bridge to Bridge riders left from Brisbane's Story Bridge for the classic eight day 1000 km trek via Warwick, Tenterfield, the New England Tableland and the Hunter Valley, to finish at Dawes Park under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
After being grounded by the COVID restrictions in 2020 and 2021, the riders have saddled up for the 10th time.
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Through these charity rides, that are organised by Randal and a team of dedicated supporters, about $300,000 has been raised for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, so far.
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 is one of the most understudied cancers - receiving relatively small amounts of research funding - it causes so much economic and social distress.
"About 1900 Australians will be diagnosed with brain cancer each year, of which over 1500 will die prematurely from their tumours," the cyclist from Gympie said.
"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."
Randal will be joined on the ride again by old school mate Michael Snell.
Michael, who has participated in the 2005, 2006 and 2007 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," Michael said.
Two couples are providing support for the riding team - Randal's sister Julie Healy, and husband Neil from Brisbane, and old friends Gordon and Kathy Munsie, from Hervey Bay.
"Like all families affected by the disease, we saw Randal's life turned upside down," Julie said.
"The whole thing made us all feel quite powerless but now Neil and I feel that we are doing something.
"Being part of the Bridge to Bridge team is part that. They are a great bunch of people, from all walks of life, from school teachers, business owners to retirees, all contributing in some way. It gives all of us a lift in spirits," Julie said.
The riders have all been impressed by the excellent support received from councils, businesses, and individuals both from where they live and along the way.
"The Tenterfield Shire is no exception," Randal added.
"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."
To sponsor or donate to the charity ride, go to the Cure Brain Cancer website.