Two fabulous fundraisers got on their bikes in Wauchope ahead of a marathon ride called the Tour de Cure.
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Melinda Cockshutt and Bennett Powell were joined by Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie as they raised awareness about cancer, as well as funds, outside the Hastings Co-op IGA.
People bought raffle tickets and wished them well on the tour, which gets national coverage, and is Australia’s best-known charity ride, and you can follow the pair on Sunrise.
In April, Bennett and Melinda will challenge themselves physically, mentally and emotionally by cycling 1150 km over nine days.
Bennett has cerebral palsy which has caused developmental delays. His family have always encouraged him to be the best he can. He lives independently and works at Garden Village as a kitchen hand.
He was recently awarded Hastings Sportsperson with a Disability and he volunteers at the Australian Ironman and the parkruns.
“The toughest bit of this is the training which is hardcore,” he said.
Bennett’s fellow cyclist and coach, Melinda Cockshutt, says he is brave and fearless, a beautiful person with a kind and generous soul. She says they both support the Tour de Cure’s funding of research projects.
“Just last year, they helped six significant cancer breakthroughs. One in three people will have some form of cancer in their lives. We need to change that statistic.
“2018 will mark 10 years since my daughter, Alanie was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was four. Our world was forever changed. She is fine now but back in the 1970s, she had little chance of surviving.
“Due to research which the Tour funds, children like Alani have a greater chance of surviving, as well as decreasing the likelihood of future difficulties, as the treatment protocols are becoming more targeted.”
Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie came along to the IGA and pedalled along too.
“I can’t be up there to ride with them, so I’m here to support them. Trying to fund cures for cancer is a very noble cause,” he said.
Stuart Greenham from the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute said the Hastings community was fabulous for getting behind the fundraising, which fills in gaps in the health service and helps patients with food and petrol vouchers so they can get treatement.
Tim Walker from Hastings Co-op said they were happy to donate a hamper raffle prize to such a great cause.
Melinda and Bennett have raised most of the $25,000 they need to take part in the Tour de Cure, and she wants people to follow their progress on www.tourdecure.com.au