Wellington Point man, Richard Ford, is saddling up for a gruelling 100km ride for a cause close to his heart.
Every push on the pedals will be for someone he loves when he takes part in the Mater Uncancer Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer on Sunday 23 August.
The Construction Manager lost both parents after they passed away from the same cancer in the space of four years.
“Pretty rare to have both parents die from the exact same brain cancer," said Ford.
"It's never easy losing a loved one."
His brother-in-law has also been battling different cancers over the years and a friend recently diagnosed with Leukemia was given just months to live.
“My brother-in-law has had a tough ride but has never complained and has just gotten on with life," said Ford.
"If he can cope day-to-day, I can ride 100kms.
"Cancer can be really cruel.
“You just have to be grateful for what we have every day - you never know what is around the corner ."
Richard knows the cancer fight is a tough one and is doing his bit to help support critical research which hopefully one day leads to cures and spares someone in the future having to go through what he has.
Support from his community has been above his expectations. The father-of-three first set a goal of $10,000 but he's since raised more than $20,000.
"The donations coming in have been incredible," said Ford
"I've had many work colleagues and friends get behind me and it means a lot."
It’s the second time Richard Ford is taking part in the challenge but will hopefully be the first time he can complete the 100kms.
“I flattened a wheel at Yatala when I first did the ride - it’s been a monkey on my back ever since.”
More than 3,500 riders will take on Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, 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.
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.”
