The Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer
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Brisbane’s second annual Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer powered by Sunsuper is set for August 18-19 and is expected to generate record funding for the beneficiary - the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
It’s an epic, two-day cycling event covering more than 200km from Brisbane to Wivenhoe that includes an overnight campout at the halfway stage. The Ride has been specifically developed to raise money for cancer research, treatment and care with all funds going direct to QIMR.
The participants are not professional cyclists; they are communities of survivors, Riders and supporters of all ages and abilities who are bonded by one common goal - to conquer cancer.
More than 1300 Riders participated in the inaugural Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer in 2011 and they helped set a new Queensland fundraising record of $4.7 million. That money is being used to fund research projects at QIMR including breast and ovarian cancer, bowel cancer, blood cancers such as leukaemia, brain cancer and skin cancers including melanoma, as well as to buy state-of-the-art equipment.
“We were absolutely overwhelmed by the amazing support from the community,” said QIMR Director, Professor Frank Gannon. "QIMR now has projects that can make a difference to the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of many different types of cancer underway.”
About the Ride to Conquer Cancer
During one epic weekend, thousands of men and women will unite for a history making event. They’ll cycle over 200 kilometres in two days to raise money for cancer research, treatment and care. With one in two Australians developing cancer in their lifetime, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has become a powerful call to action for cancer patients, survivors and their supporters.
The Ride begins with an Opening Ceremony on the Saturday morning and finishes on the Sunday. Thousands of Riders will cover approximately 100 kilometres each day, travelling at their own pace. Riders will be supported by hundreds of volunteers and crew members, providing meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the course, comprehensive medical services and an overnight campsite complete with tents, hot showers and entertainment. For more information, visit www.conquercancer.org.au
About the Institute of Medical Research
QIMR is dedicated to translating discoveries into treatments, diagnostics and prevention strategies. One of QIMR's three research programs is cancer, which incorporates 21 of its laboratories. Cancer is a disease which leads to abnormal cell growth and eventually spreads to other parts of the body. Some cancers are common in family lineage and are clearly inherited, while others are caused by factors in the environment interacting with genetic susceptibilities. Many forms of cancer can be treated successfully if detected early.
More information can be found at www.qimr.edu.au
