Survivor rides on to save others

Nambour’s John Kirkham from has survived childhood cancer at 15 and is now a Great Cycle Challenge Champion.

The Great Cycle Challenge may be a big test of strength, endurance and resilience for your average bike rider like Nambour’s John Kirkham. 

But it’s nothing like the challenge that kids with cancer face every day of their little lives.

Every October, tens of thousands of Australians take to their bikes to raise money for the ground-breaking cancer research being done in the labs at Children’s Medical Research Institute. 

In the eight years since the challenge started, the riders have raised more than $20 million.

Mr Kirkham survived childhood cancer at 15 and is now a Great Cycle Challenge Champion.

“I started Great Cycle Challenge not long after I got out of the military. I did my research on the cause, and being a childhood cancer survive myself, I knew it was important. Cancer is brutal but I tell people, just stay positive – it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.

“When I was having cancer treatment it was very much ‘get in and get it done’ and once I got the green light that I was okay I joined the army. My sister was in the army and I wanted to join, I wanted that challenge.

“When I got out, I needed a new challenge and this was it. I wanted to do something that was worthwhile and for a good cause.

“It’s only really now that I look back at what I went through and it’s good to know that there are so many people out there trying to crack that code to find a cure. I know it’s not a matter of if, but when.’’

Children’s Medical Research Institute’s scientist Dr Tony Cesare studies the causes of cancer from the time that our cells are forming. His lab, and many others at CMRI, are trying to stop cancer in its tracks from the very beginning of life.

He thanked all those who have taken part in Great Cycle Challenge from its inception to today.

“I am enormously thankful for the community fundraising efforts in Australia,’’ Dr Cesare said. “Every advance in cancer treatment started as a new research project which required funding to make the discoveries that unlocked a medical breakthrough.

“Without community funding, I worry the well of new ideas can run dry and sacrifice the potential of improved treatments for our older selves and our children. The positive impact of community efforts inspires our work and gives hope to cancer patients.’’

The Great Cycle Challenge can be done anywhere, anytime throughout October! 

You can hit the road or do it inside on a fixed bike. You choose how many kilometres you want to aim to ride and how much money you’d like to raise – then you just ask your friends to sponsor you.

• Learn more and register to ride at www.greatcyclechallenge.com.au.