26 June, 2012

 Big W Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride takes off again in aid of Children's Cancer Institute Australia.

Each year in July, the Big W Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride takes off on a three day, 358km trek in aid of Children's Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA). Since 1999, the annual ride has raised over $3.4 million for CCIA, with each year seeing bigger and better results than the last. Having raised almost $650,000 amongst 275 riders in 2011, this year's ride is on track to follow tradition and be the best yet.

“It's hard to believe we've been riding the Townsville to Cairns for 14 years now,” says Peter Murphy, President of the Townsville to Cairns Committee. “Since the beginning, our heart and soul has gone into this ride, and to now see hundreds of riders with the same passion and commitment is just remarkable.”

The 2012 ride takes off on Thursday, 26 July from the Mercure Inn, Townsville and arrives on Saturday, 28 July in Cairns, with stops at Ingham and Innisfail in between.

“We have a wonderful team of support: people who volunteer their time and resources, and a group of fantastic sponsors, who make the ride possible year in and year out,” says Peter. “Without them, we wouldn't be able to continue, so we are eternally grateful to each and every person who lends their support. This ride truly brings out that classic Queensland spirit - everyone chipping in and doing what they can to help and make a difference.”

Since 1999, the funds raised as a result of the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride have greatly benefited many of the research projects undertaken at CCIA, and the ride has grown to become one of The Institute's biggest and most significant fundraising events.

“Without the wonderful support of all those associated with this remarkable Bike Ride, we wouldn't have the resources that we need to drive our research forward,” says Professor Michelle Haber AM, Executive Director of CCIA.” Each and every participant, volunteer and fundraiser allows us to work ever closer towards our ultimate goal: to save the lives of 100 percent of children with cancer and eliminate their suffering.

“As an example of how dear the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride really is to me, I'm excited to be signing up again as one of the Support Drivers for the 2012 ride, and my husband will be cycling in the ride for the fourth consecutive year. I am deeply grateful to everyone involved and for their outstanding commitment to our cause: one day, together, we will beat this disease!” says Prof Haber.

Contact

Catherine Blake PR & Communications, Children's Cancer Institute Australia

Ph: (02) 9385 8879  |  Email: cblake@ccia.org.au

Images are available upon request. Photos/filming in the labs can be arranged