Allsorts of cyclists up for charity ride

A SWEET and bright peloton of cyclists will hit the road for cancer research again in 2023.

Local charity cycling team, Jimmy’s Allsorts, will ride from Mildura to Port Fairy next year, with a goal to raise $40,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute along the way.

In liquorice allsorts-themed uniforms with green accents, the group of about 20 riders will be hard to miss, led by Jimmy himself, Jim Waight.

“Once again, the team are hitting the road in the 2023 Murray to Moyne Cycling Relay, that takes place on the 1st and 2nd of April, riding 520 kilometres in just over 24 hours,” he said.

“Our aim is to sponsor a PhD research scholarship at the institute. This is an opportunity for our team to turn a negative situation into something positive.

“It’s a chance to make a real difference in cancer research. But the ride’s not only about the fundraising, it’s about the camaraderie, the common purpose, and doing something that’s worthwhile.”

Mr Waight said the support of local people has amazed him, including businesses which have backed the cause.

“Ballarat is a strong community; a community that tries to make a difference, and the team’s 2023 principal sponsor is GJ Gardner Homes.

“Thank you to Rob, Wayne and the team at GJ Gardner Ballarat for backing us to fight cancer on two wheels and to make a real difference in cancer research,” he said.

“Fulton Hogan are supporting us for three days, giving us a bus, a driver, a support vehicle and a team car, which will be very helpful.”

Mr Waight has a personal history with the disease, having been diagnosed with a blood cancer, non-Hodgkin’s follicular lymphoma, in 2019.

His chemotherapy and immunotherapy took two years, but he finished his treatments in May of this year and receives ongoing support from his specialists.

He decided to take action and raise money for research when a young person in his life began receiving treatment for a brain tumour.

Next year will mark the third Jimmy’s Allsorts ride, with an official launch on World Cancer Day in February, and the team of riders have generated $125,000 dollars for FECRI so far.

Each rider will have their own fundraising page on the team website closer to the event. Visit facebook.com/jimmysallsorts for updates.