Cyclists Raise $4.6 Million for Cancer Research

October 21st, 2012

The Western Australian Institute for Medical Research is thrilled to announce that the Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer has raised $4.6 million, which will go directly to cancer research.

An excited contingent of 1219 riders took off from McCallum Park in Perth and cycled over 200 km through Western Australia with an overnight camp in Pinjarra before returning to the Swan River foreshore in Victoria Park for a highly emotional finish on Sunday.

"We are thrilled with our first annual Sunsuper Ride To Conquer Cancer and most grateful to everyone involved including all our riders, sponsors, crew members, volunteers and thousands who have generously donated to help make this inaugural Ride an incredible success," said WAIMR Director, Professor Peter Klinken.

2012 was the inaugural Ride in WA, and the largest single cycling fundraising event in Western Australia's history. The Ride drew participants from across Australia and brought together communities of survivors, cyclists and supporters who trained and fundraised for months in order to participate in the annual two-day journey through WA.

Ride dollars are being put to use immediately at WAIMR supporting a range of cancer research initiatives that aim to uncover the genetic and environmental causes of the disease.

"Our teams have identified numerous genes associated with cancers such as leukaemia, breast, ovarian and prostate, as well as those contributing to a number of nerve, muscle and mental health disorders," said Professor Klinken.

"These breakthroughs have already positively impacted the lives of many people and inspire us to pursue these vital research initiatives. Funds raised in real time by The Ride enable this life-saving research to carry on and support our teams in developing plans for our people, research and platforms," Professor Klinken said.

"Cancer research, specifically, genetic and environmental causes of the disease needs more funding and is paramount for all Australians in preventing cancer and ensuring a better outcome for those who are dealing with it," said Tony Lally, CEO of Sunsuper, which sponsored the ride.

Professor Klinken said event sponsorship was a vital component to any charitable initiative and he also thanked MACA for their enormous support.

"The contributions from our event sponsors are critical, and allow for more Ride-funded dollars to be put to use funding our latest research initiatives. We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors for their generous support," Professor Klinken added.

Registration for the 2013 Ride opened on Saturday and the 2nd annual event will be held October 19th & 20th of next year in WA.

"We invite everyone to join us next year for our second annual Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer in 2013," said Professor Klinken.

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