Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY MICHELLE FROM PEDDLE INN
Riding more than 600km over five days, a group of cyclists – including two local figures – will take on the Great Queensland Rail Trail Adventure, riding their bikes from Gladstone to Brisbane. The event raises funds for Rare Ovarian Cancer (ROC) research, a cause close to the hearts of Emily McGhie and Michelle Sando.
Dr McGhie, a Birkdale GP, said she was combining her love of cycling with a push to raise much-needed research funding.
“As a GP, I see firsthand the impact that these sorts of diseases have,” she said.
Dr McGhie said ovarian cancer is actually several different types of cancer, is difficult to diagnose, and challenging to treat.
“Some of the rarer ovarian cancers are not as aggressive as the most common Serous Ovarian Cancers, nor as unusual as the Teratomas, and therefore receive very little attention or funding.”
“The rare Granulosa Cell Cancer is slower growing but affects both younger girls and older women. A significant challenge is that they are much more difficult to ‘cure’.”
Joining the local doctor on the ride is Ms Sando, the owner of Manly West bike shop Pedal Inn Bicycle Garage and treasurer of Redlands and Logan-focused mountain bike club RATS Cycling.
“My friend Peter Smith has been encouraging me to join the Ride for Research events since we met a few years ago. When my riding buddy Emily showed interest in this year’s event, I knew I had to do it.”
As well as training for this “epic adventure,” the local businesswomen have committed to raising $5,000 each for research.
“This will be the longest, hardest ride I’ve ever done”, says Ms Sando, “but reading the stories of ROC survivors has been humbling and motivating. I ride to raise awareness and for those who can’t.”
According to organisers, the event is “an epic multi-terrain cycling odyssey” linking three Queensland Rail Trails.
For more information and to make a donation, visit https://www.rocinc.org.au/r4r26-gqrta/
