News Story

Riding for Research

Mother and son raise funds for Children's Medical Research Institute to help fight kids' cancer

   

Every year over 600 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer and each week 3 of these children succumb to the disease. 

For this reason, and having lost loved ones of their own to cancer, Colette and her youngest son, Jack (13 years old), of the Penrith Australia Stake (group of congregations) in New South Wales, have taken part in the "Great Cycle Challenge" over the past several years. Their objective is to raise funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).  As the mother of nine, Colette Spiller embraces this worthy cause to exemplify selfless Christ like service.

The "Great Cycle Challenge" has been held every October since 2013.  Participants set their own targets on how many kilometres they will ride throughout the month and how much money they would like to raise.  They are free to choose where and when to ride, and the distance they log will be added to that of other registered riders.

In 2018, Jack and Collette rode 502km together and raised $2252 for the Institute. Their goal for 2019 is to ride 600km and raise at least $2200. Living and riding in the Blue Mountains means they frequently face the challenge of steep hills on their rides, along with the odd ambiguously marked trail. Despite this, they are inspired by the friendly and helpful people they encounter on their way, and feel a great sense of achievement when they reach their goal.  

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