Cycling relay for good health

A NUMBER of Ballarat cyclists tackled the Murray to Moyne relay last weekend, riding five hundred and twenty kilometres in just over twenty-four hours to raise money for local health services and cancer research.

The Jimmy’s Liquorice Allsorts team of 15, led by Jim Waight, brought colour to the roads between Mildura and Port Fairy, rolling along in lolly nicks in support of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

“Our youngest rider was 13 and the oldest was 71, and they all rode really well,” Mr Waight said.

“The team is determined, with the motto of ‘fighting cancer on two wheels.’ We’re almost dogged in our determination to beat it, and this is our way to do it.

“We’re sitting close to $65,000 for fundraising, which is amazing. The Ballarat community has come out in spades, and we express our deep thanks to them, especially our sponsors and supporters.

“Our goal was between $40,000 and $50,000 to fund one PhD research scholarship at FECRI, so the team is ecstatic with what they’re achieving.”

Other local teams, The Ballarat Pack – made up of Grampians Health employees, and The Velorats, were both riding in support of the Ballarat Health Services Foundation.

“Our 12 riders contributed as much as they could, and all got down to Hamilton on the first night in good time, about midnight, which is always a bit of a marker,” said Velorats captain Ross Huntington.

“The weather was reasonable, with a bit of a head wind on the Saturday, but it wasn’t cold.

“On the fundraising side, we’ve done really well. We’re grateful to all supporters, from our gold sponsors to friends who put in $20.

“We’ve got over our $20,000 goal, so that’s pleasing, and makes all the effort worthwhile.”

The Ballarat Pack’s Jarrod King, an ICT infrastructure program manager at Grampians Health, said the weekend was a positive one.

“The camaraderie within the team was great, from helping people set up their bikes ready for take off and packing up the bikes that just came in, to making sure everyone was fed,” he said.

“The teamwork was really good, from the support staff all the way through to the guys on the road… and the Ballarat teams all got around each other at the end.

“Overnight on Sunday we tipped over $10,000 which is really positive, as our initial goal was $5000 to be donated to the Ballarat Health Services Foundation to establish a WardRobe to clothe patients in need.”

At the finish line, Huntington was presented with the Murray to Moyne Graham Woodrup Memorial Award for exceptional effort and inspiration given to others throughout his involvement with the event.