More than 1,600 cyclists took to the hills in a 200km journey to conquer cancer, the fundraising event raised more than $6 million in Victoria for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer.

A keen cyclist, Fantech’s National Resellers Manager, Glenn Morgan, took part in the event, riding as a member of the Kick’n Cancer team. “A wife of a close friend who recently underwent treatment for prostate cancer, organised a group of cycling friends to form a team of 18 riders and 8 support crew.” Glenn said “Like many of the riders who participated, our lives have been touched by cancer. In the past three years my Dad and both my wife’s parents lost their battle with cancer,”

But the ride is much more than remembering those who are no longer with us, it is about raising funds to support cutting edge research in an effort to find a cure and celebrate those that have beaten the disease.

Cancer survivors wore yellow flags on their bikes and were a constant source of inspiration to others during the tougher stretches of the ride.

The 100km ride from Albert Park Lake near the centre of Melbourne to Healesville was not an easy ride travelling through some of the hilliest areas of Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs and out into the Yarra Valley.

Rain made things a little more difficult, particularly on the numerous downhill descents. Once riders had arrived at Healsville they camped on the footy oval and that night during presentations one of the Peter Mac researchers stated that they are right on the cusp of finding a cure for many of the most common cancers.

The next morning it was back on the bike for the 100km return journey along some even bigger hills. Glenn said it was an enormous challenge for the non-serious bike riders who just wanted to ride and raise money for the cause. “My daughter and her all-girl team were just that, they were young and too busy focusing on fundraising to do any training, consequently some hills bought on a few tears. But over all this was the most “feel good” cycling event I had ever been on. Many of the riders remained at the finish line for hours to cheer on team mates and other participants, I think it was due to the feeling of hope and sense of accomplishment it gave everyone.”

“the ride is much more than remembering those who are no longer with us” He said each rider had to raise a minimum of $2,500 to enter the race. “ Fantech was very supportive and one of my main sponsors which helped bring the Kickin’ Cancer team tally to an amazing $56,000.” For more information on the ride to conquer cancer call 1300 007 433 or visit www.conquercancer.org.au