New kit day – it’s like Christmas day for cyclists, and for me it was today! I’m happy to announce that number 13 is back on the road and in the peleton for Mater’s Smiling for Smiddy Challenge Tasmania.
I’m so proud to have the opportunity to lead the mighty red peleton as we ride approximately 700km over 5 days in beautiful Tasmania.
I can’t wait to share the ride with 70 or so other amazing like-minded people and our trusty road crew as we ride to make a game-changing impact for cancer research at Brisbane’s Mater—investing in life-saving research that could help treat and ultimately prevent cancer.
This is a cause that I believe passionately in, and I am so fortunate to have been a part of the “Smiddy family” now for over 10 years.
It’s a sad reality that cancer will impact almost all of us either directly or indirectly over our lives. Over the last 10 years, I’ve been amazed by the progress made in cancer research.
Some types of cancer that were untreatable 10 years ago can now be managed and treated by drugs that have been developed by the type of medical research that Smiling for Smiddy supports and funds directly. While a cure for cancer might be a while off, everyday medical scientists around the world are developing and trialling life-saving drugs to treat cancer and give patients precious time with their families and loved ones.
While Australia produces some world-class scientists, funding for medical research in this country is extremely challenging. The last published figures indicate that in 2022, only around 15% of grant applications to the NHMRC are funded – that’s simply not enough. That’s where the Mater Foundation and Smiling for Smiddy step in to directly fund research into the understanding and treatment of cancer.
If you’d like to help – you can donate at my fundraising link – I’d be immensely grateful.
