Photos: Supplied.
Peter Reaburn and Peter Smith have returned home from their annual Ride4Research fundraising initiative in Bright, Victoria. They cycled for 500km over five days alongside 28 other riders to raise an incredible $220,000 for research into Rare Ovarian Cancer (ROC).
This year, they were joined by local cyclist Richard Odgers, a well-known rider from the Manly Mashers, renowned for his enthusiasm for cycling and helping others.
Wynnum’s Peter Smith, along with Richard Odgers, was supported by event sponsors Bendigo Bank (RVM Community Financial Services) and Joan Pease MP, along with Edith Street Espresso, Margaret Vote (Raine and Horne, Wynnum), Kellehers Dance Academy, Cambridge Lane Espresso, and Sonny Jim.
The Ride4Research riders also had fantastic support from local community groups in Bright. University of the Third Age, Bright Lions Club, and Bright Rotary Club all contributed substantially to the ride with logistical support, meals, and donations.
Why fundraise for rare ovarian cancer? Peter Reaburn’s wife Claire was diagnosed with Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumour (JGCT) at 53 years of age. This is a rare ovarian cancer that typically affects younger females. Claire is the oldest female in the world to have JGCT. The youngest was diagnosed in Australia at the age of 11 months. Ninety-four per cent of patients with JGCT are aged under 30.
There is no cure for JGCT, and little research exists to help understand the disease. Australian researcher Associate Professor Dr. Simon Chu at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, is the world leader in this field. Simon also rode in Bright, covering 500km over five days. While clinicians are still prescribing treatments based on “best guess” rather than facts, funding is needed to enable Simon to continue the research.
You can still make a donation to help fund ROC research by visiting the web page: https://www.rocinc.org.au/ride-for-research/
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
