A TEAM of cyclists is getting ready to ride from Mildura to Port Fairy for the third time as part of an annual fundraising drive for cancer research.<\/p>\n
Called Jimmy\u2019s Licorice Allsorts and led by founder James Waight, the team has raised more than $125,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute since forming in 2020.<\/p>\n
With a goal of between $40,000 and $50,000 this year, Mr Waight said it will be an intense two days of riding, which will take place on the weekend of 1 and 2 April.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ride for 24 hours to get to Port Fairy, so it\u2019s actually a relay cycling event. Somebody\u2019s on the bike all the time until 11pm on the Saturday before finishing the next morning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has a personal dimension for me. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2019 and I\u2019ve had chemo and immunotherapy since then.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen firsthand what research can achieve. We haven\u2019t retrieved the golden ticket of a cure yet but treatment options are much better than what they were.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s only through research and particularly why we\u2019re focused on FECRI is they\u2019re a local research institute based in Ballarat.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team held their 2023 fundraising launch event on Saturday afternoon at the Arch View Cafe with mayor Cr Des Hudson and Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison attending.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event will see Allsorts alumnus Jed Manley\u2019s son Jack, and Scott Petrie\u2019s son Lachie joining the team of nearly 20 riders.<\/p>\n
Mr Waight said the friendship between the riders and their altruistic goal is what\u2019s kept him motivated.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur motto is fighting cancer on two wheels. That\u2019s the motivation, that we\u2019re going to fight this in the best way we can,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s other facets to this though. The camaraderie, the support from one another and knowing we\u2019re actually making a difference in the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur team number is 367 because 367 people per day are diagnosed with cancer in Australia. It\u2019s a nod to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
To donate, visit jimmyallsorts.gofundraise.com.au.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A TEAM of cyclists is getting ready to ride from Mildura to Port Fairy for the third time as part of an annual fundraising drive for cancer research. Called Jimmy\u2019s Licorice Allsorts and led by founder James Waight, the team has raised more than $125,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute since forming in […]<\/p>\n