Only 31 days until 2015 Signature Tour
On 24 April a dedicated team of cyclists and support people will set off from Adelaide, heading to Melbourne over 9 days. Why do we do this? In the hope that one day we can cure all cancers. We raise money to fund cancer research, support and prevention projects.
This is my third Signature Tour, plus I have also done four Country Tours. I love being involved with TdC for so many reasons. I am doing something very worthwhile with an amazing bunch of like minded people. I cannot tell you what it does for your soul!!
As you can imagine, I have been training very hard to make sure that I can actually make the 1,200 kilometres, backing up for 9 days in a row. Let me tell you, it hurts! My ass will hurt, my shoulders will hurt, my legs will definitely hurt, but my heart will be singing the whole way. None of this pain compares to the pain in the ass that cancer is though!! My fellow team mates, and my supporters, will inspire me to climb back on that bike each day. I will see and hear amazing stories. I will ride with people who have been directly touched with cancer, and are still receiving treatment for it. All of us have been touched by cancer in some way.
I lost my Dad in 2011 to lung and brain cancer. We only had 3 months with him from diagnosis, and it was not a pleasant time for of us. It is a cruel disease. I ride with his name on my bike all the time. I closely followed the journey of three young children in Brisbane over the past two years. None of these children are with us any longer. Miette was 5 years old when diagnosed with DIPG. She endured 2 years of torture. Declan was 9 years old when diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiform tumors in his spinal cord. He only lasted just over 1 year. Beautiful Charlee (who we met on a Qld Country Tour) was diagnosed at 3 with DIPG. She endured 18 months of this horrible disease before flying off with the butterflies. DIPG is incurable apparently. The research that Tour de Cure funds can change this. Also, those of you who know Sally and Mick McAuliffe, and Lyn and Dick Atkinson, you know the story of Conor (son/grandson) who died aged three from liver cancer.
These kids did not get to live their lives, and in contracting cancer, have changed the lives of so many around them. Sometimes it gets too much and splinters the families. It is a huge burden to live through and survive. I want to help ensure this does not happen any more.
We visit thousands of kids on Tour to spread the “Be Fit, Be Healthy, Be Happy” message. These are loads of fun and helps to ensure that kids are more aware of cancer and what it involves. We give them all a little gift as well which they find very exciting.
The hardest thing by far about being on Tour is the fundraising, especially since I have been putting the hand out for many years now! I try to change things up a bit each year, and give something back to people who support me. This year I am organising a trivia night, which has been rather stressful! I am looking forward to it, and I have some really great prizes to raffle and auction off. Big thanks to those people who have donated so far.
The South East Qld rider team for 2015, plus Lyn and Dick.
Thanks to my family, as they have to put up with the tired Mum who it must seem at times is hardly ever there on the weekend (long training days).
For those who are yet to donate this year, it would be much appreciated if you could donate, even just a small amount. It all makes a difference. Follow this link:https://www.tourdecure.com.au/index.php/pages/donate/registration/5263ba4a15c27a88ba5aabb2fb70fbe3
More updates to come!
Leave a message for me:
If you want you can even spread the word and post it on facebook.
