Courtney Dawson

My Why

In the world we live in cancer is one of the only things that will touch everyone in some way at some point in their lives.  It doesn't discriminate - young, old, thick, thin, rich, poor, happy or sad. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do or how you act. It can happen to anyone. Whether its directly or indirectly everyone has (or will have) some experience with it.

I signed up in 2024 to do the MACA Cancer 200 ride for two reasons... the main reason was to honour my grandad, Raymond who was battling through a multitude of treatments for mesothelioma.

 

The second reason - I'm not very good at saying "no" and I was going through a phase of saying "yes" no matter how out of my comfort zone it was… and trust me lycra is NOT in my comfort zone.

The ride rolled around and although grandad wasn't around anymore to see it, it was an awesome event and quite an emotional weekend. I was shocked at how much I enjoyed it! However, I did NOT enjoy the following 3 months of ulnar nerve damage.

BUT

Apparently, I'm a sucker for punishment because once the numb, tingling, and weak hands dissipated, I signed up to do the whole thing again.

I’m on a mission to defeat cancer.

Cancer has taken so much from us. Whether it is a loved one, family member, friend or closer to home, cancer is relentless.

I want to put a stop to cancer by riding 200kms to raise vital funds for cancer research right here in WA.

The funds I raise will go to the brilliant minds at the Perkins who are committed to finding breakthroughs that will lead to improved health outcomes for those affected by the hardest-to-treat diseases.

Hearing the words “it’s cancer” is heart-wrenching. But with Perkins researchers, I am determined to eliminate the fear and uncertainty that cancer brings.

On Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of October 2025, I will pedal alongside my fellow riders who share the dream of making cancer non-lethal. Your support can turn this dream into reality.

Many riders return every year because they know that the funds we raise go back to the Perkins. It is also a worst kept secret that the Ride is the friendliest cycling charity event in Australia. Why not join me in making a difference?

Whether you join me on the Ride or contribute to my fundraising page, your generous support matters.

Together, we can conquer cancer.

Your Impact

So far this year I helped provide...

20

Microscope

Hours of Research

$13,132 Raised since 2019

Thank you to my Sponsors

Breakthrough Donor

$5,256

Thermomix Raffle

$150

Courtney Dawson