Perth says 'On Your Bike' to Cancer

October 19th, 2011

The Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer, benefiting the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR), is a brand new Perth cycling adventure, which is set to become one of WA's premier fundraising events.

"It's going to be an epic challenge for an amazing cause," said WAIMR Director, Professor Peter Klinken, who is one of the cyclists taking part in the event on October 20 and 21 in 2012.

"We'll be cycling about 100 kilometres through some of Perth's loveliest scenery to a fully catered tent city, having a hot shower and a massage, enjoying a meal, drinks and entertainment and then sleeping overnight in tents which will be provided.

"The next day, after a hot breakfast, we'll hop on our bikes again and ride back to Perth's central business district, where there'll be lots of families and friends cheering us on the homeward stretch. It's going to be incredibly uplifting - not just for the WAIMR researchers who will benefit from funds raised - but also for cancer survivors and cyclists who take on the feat in support of loved ones diagnosed with cancer."

Cancer survivors will ride with a yellow flag on the back of their bike, inspiring other riders to pedal hard and raise funds for the medical research which will help conquer cancer and provide hope for the future.

Professor Klinken urged cyclists of all ages and abilities to participate, saying that although a 200 kilometre ride might seem like a monumental task, it would be nothing compared to the battle of people living with cancer.

"We will be taking care of participants every step of the way, providing pit stops along the route. Our team will also provide first aid and bike maintenance, ensuring conditions are as safe as possible," he said. "The route is designed for anybody who wants to challenge themselves for a great cause."

"During the recent ride in Brisbane there were cyclists of all ages and abilities who completed the ride and experienced the huge adrenaline rush of achieving their goal. All you need to take part in the Perth ride is motivation, a bike and a helmet."

Cyclists registering for the Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer in Perth will receive all the information needed to train safely and effectively. They'll also be given tips on how to fundraise for the charity event.

"Everybody participating in the ride needs to raise $2,500," said WAIMR's Director of Fundraising, Lesley Hooper. "But the great thing about the Ride is that it is fully supported from beginning to end. There are all sorts of tools available to riders and coaches who provide advice and ideas on everything from training to fundraising.

"Our scientists will be able to 'think outside the square' and move ahead with innovative ideas. These might include preventing the mutation of cells which cause cancer, or finding ways to stop tumours from growing. We will be in a position to buy the specialised equipment needed to carry out this type of research. We are also working towards funding a treatment centre for melanoma patients in WA."

"We all know somebody who's been touched by cancer and this ride is very manageable compared to their struggle with this terrible killer, so why not get out there and make a difference to cancer research? At WAIMR, we're aiming for healthier lives in the future, and everybody taking part in the Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer will be helping us in our quest."

For more information go to www.conquercancer.org.au.

Professor Peter Klinken on 94.5FM   [MP3, 2.4MB] 10th October 2011

For more information please contact:

Carolyn Monaghan
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0448 021 932 (media enquiries only)
Office: (08) 9224 0377
Email: carolyn.monaghan@waimr.uwa.edu.au