Generous donation makes difference to leukaemia foundation

A GENEROUS donation from a local cycling club and one of its members will benefit those affected by leukaemia.

Cycling Geelong and one of its members Bernie Madden have donated $2,150 to the Leukaemia Foundation, as a result of the club winning a $6,000 BMC bicycle at this year’s Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race People’s Ride.

The bike was awarded to Cycling Geelong for having the largest team or group at the January 27 mass-participation cycling event.

Club member and team organiser Heather Kelly said 28 Cycling Geelong’s members took part in the race.

“After winning the bike, the club decided it would auction it off to one of our club members and Bernie was the lucky member to come away with the highest bid,” Ms Kelly said.

“Because of my personal background with my late husband’s fight with blood cancer and such, I came up with the idea to have half the proceeds go towards the foundation.

“They do amazing work there and staggeringly an Australian is told every 27 minutes they are diagnosed with blood cancer.”

Mr Madden said he was hoping to get the bike for a little bit less money, but once he found out half the proceeds were going to the Leukaemia Foundation, he was happy to reach further into his coffers.

“Most of us are a fair bit older than Heather, so there are some of us who are not able to ride as often any more, but initiatives like this are a great way to bring members together.

“Cancer is something that touches everyone, so any little difference we can make the better.”

Since 2000, the Leukaemia Foundation has funded more than 360 blood cancer research grants, representing more than $86.5 million in blood cancer research funding.

The donation will go towards services such as accommodation, transport assistance, education and information around specific types of cancer, and other practical, financial, emotional and mental health support.

Cycling Geelong hopes to increase the size of its team for the next People’s Ride, to take place on February 1, 2025.

More information on how to join Cycling Geelong can be found at cyclinggeelong.com.au