By CASEY NEILL
A KEYSBOROUGH man is getting on his bike throughout October to fight kids’ cancer.
Henry Wan has signed up for the Great Cycle Challenge to raise funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).
Participants can ride anywhere, anytime throughout the month and a mobile application will track their progress.
Mr Wan started regularly riding on weekends four years ago and has since participated in many charity and fund-raising rides throughout Victoria.
“I haven’t been riding much these last few months with the cold and wet weather in Melbourne,” he said.
“Then one day last month I learned about this Great Cycle Challenge event on Facebook and I thought ‘I should do this’.
“I have been very blessed with three healthy kids – who are now 21, 20 and 17 – and would like to help those less fortunate.
“And it will also help get me back into some regular riding!”
Mr Wan signed up and asked his boys to sponsor him instead of getting him a Father’s Day gift.
“I originally intended it to be a small immediate family thing, until one of the boys posted my challenge on Facebook,” he said.
“Next thing I know, donations started coming in from family members including those from overseas.
“I have so far raised slightly over $500 and therefore the pressure is on.
“I will be riding my target of 500 kilometres in October rain, hail or shine.”
The annual event started in 2013 and last year raised more than $2.1 million.
CMRI director Professor Roger Reddel said funds raised would accelerate the search for new treatments for childhood cancer.
“We are working towards a new form of treatment that is designed to target every type of cancer,” he said.
Visit www.greatcyclechallenge.com.au to sponsor Mr Wan or for more information.
