Two hundred kilometres in just two days. That's what cancer survivor Amanda Marshall and her sister Carolynne Johnston are set to cycle later this year for the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
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What an amazing experience it would be to complete the ride in support of, and in memory of those who had suffered.
- Amanda Marshall
Ms Marshall is an avid cyclist and was inspired by a work colleague to join the fundraiser in 2012. She has participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer to raise money for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre ever since.
Back in 2012 when she first took part, Ms Marshall simply thought it was a great opportunity to help out in some way.
“What an amazing experience it would be to complete the ride in support of, and in memory of those who had suffered," she said.
“I was inspired to join in the Ride to Conquer Cancer in 2012 by a work colleague and have been doing it ever since.”
Ms Marshall was also spurred on by having known friends living with, or having passed away due to cancer.
In 2013, just days before the beginning of the annual ride, Ms Marshall herself underwent scans having noticed a lump on her breast. Unsure of the results, she courageously continued on and participated in the annual ride.
The Monday after the ride, Ms Marshall's worst fears became reality when she received a breast cancer diagnosis.
She has been treated with both radiotherapy and hormone therapy at the Peter Mac Cancer Centre and is now fortunately all clear.
Ms Marshall participated in the 2014 ride and along with her sister, is gearing up to take part again later this year.
Both Amanda and Carolynne wish to increase awareness and instill cancer research's significance in the minds of communities and government bodies, to ensure an increase in funding.
Carolynne Johnston was present the day her sister was diagnosed.
She decided to complete the ride with Amanda this year to show her support.
Part of her training regime has involved cycling along the Grampians Rail Trail with friends, building up the kilometres in her legs in preparation for the event.
One in two Australians is diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, with an estimated 121,500 cases of cancer in Australia diagnosed each year.
Last year, the event raised a massive $6.2m, and this year they hope to raise more.
You can help the girls' team, the Fostervillians, raise money to find a cure for cancer, by visiting the link below:http://www.conquercancer.org.au
