General News
25 October, 2024
Ton-up effort to break cycle of youth cancer
Colin Wilhelms has always enjoyed riding his bicycle, and got his first bike for Christmas over 50 years ago - rebuilt by his brother, Ken, who died of cancer a few years ago.
His hobby was a bit “on and off” over the years, but since settling in Warracknabeal almost three years ago, Mr Wilhelms and his bicycle have become a regular sight, especially as he works towards his goal of riding 1000 kilometres to help fight children’s cancer as part of the Great Cycle Challenge Australia every October.
“Kids should be living life, not fighting for it,” he said.
“I stopped biking for a while, and then a friend talked me back into it.”
Mr Wilhelms participated in the first Great Cycle Challenge back in 2013, and has continued to set himself a challenge and a fundraising goal every October since, spending much of the rest of the year preparing.
“I didn’t raise any money the first year - it was more of a challenge for distance,” he said.
“I would normally ride 6000km over the whole year.
“I aim to ride 40km each day, but it varies depending on conditions.”
Born in Tasmania, Mr Wilhelms was already familiar with the area, having previously lived in Sea Lake and St Arnaud.
“I’m not a stranger to the region, and I have a niece that lived here in town,” Mr Wilhelms said.
He now spends many hours peddling around the area, even going as far as Sheep Hills.
Mr Wilhelms has set a fundraising goal of $1000 this year, and said he has raised $6,127.36 over the past 12 years for the cause.
Over 700 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and the disease takes the lives of three children every week.
Last year, the Great Cycle Challenge celebrated their 10th anniversary by announcing their community of 107,764 riders from all across Australia had ridden a total of 31,762,710km, raising $42,455,464 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).
CMRI has around 160 scientists and research students working in teams across 13 research units, researching and developing better treatments, and hopes to one day find a cure for childhood cancer.
More information about the cause can be found at greatcyclechallenge.com.au/riders/unclecocopops, where donations can also be made.