Mater nurse Richard Habana knows a cancer journey is a tough one.
The father-of-two is doing his bit to help find a cure, committing to ride a huge distance to raise funds for Mater cancer research and care.
He’s lost multiple family members and a childhood friend to the disease and sadly believes more loved ones will be affected.
The 37-year-old will ditch the scrubs and saddle up for the 100km odyssey that is the Mater Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer on Sunday 23 August.
But instead of just doing the challenge as it’s mapped-out, he’s decided to go further.
“I’m going to double the distance,” said Mr Habana.
“So, I won’t just ride from Brisbane to the Gold Coast – I’ll also do the return trip home.
“It’ll be close to 200kms in total.”
More than 3000 riders will take on Brisbane to Gold Coast, starting from Grey St, South Brisbane, before turning onto the South East Busway, giving cyclists a traffic-free VIP ride out of Brisbane.
There will be rest stops at Eagleby and Coomera State Schools, with the finish line at Fisherman’s Lawn on the Gold Coast’s stunning Broadwater Parklands.
On average the 100km course takes around four hours to complete, so it’ll be a full workday of riding for Mr Habana.
“Definitely the most I’ve ever ridden,” said Mr Habana.
“It’s going to be tough, but getting through cancer is tough.”
Mr Habana lost his grandfather to stomach cancer and his grandmother to breast and liver cancer.
As a young child his best friend suffered from bone cancer, sadly passing away when they were 11 years old.
This will be the third time he has taken part in the 100km ride, but it’ll be his first time as a Mater employee, following the handover of Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast this week, where Mr Habana is a theatre nurse.
“I’m really excited to be part of the Mater family,” said Mr Habana.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said every dollar raised by the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer is helping save lives.
“Every little bit makes a significant difference towards vital life-saving research and equipment at Mater, helping secure better outcomes for patients now and into the future,” said Mr Thomas.
“Around 450 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in Australia, and this is a small way to show support to those going through some of the hardest days of their lives.
“It’s an incredible sight to see cancer survivors, family members, specialists and researchers all riding together for a cause.”
