David Polkinghorne

I’M RIDING IN MEMORY OF My Family Member, Jessamy

I’ve lost close family members to cancer, and like many others, I know how heavy that loss can feel. I can’t work in a lab, but I can ride—raising funds to support the researchers striving for better treatments and brighter outcomes for families.

The reason that I ride

I wanted to make this post to say thank you to everyone who has supported me to raise funds and participate in the Cancer200 over the last ten years, it truly means everything.

I also want to share why this event is so important to me. Cancer has significantly impacted my family. It has taken my step-sister, my uncle, my grandfather, and my grandmother. 

I'm not a doctor or a medical researcher. The Cancer200 event is a way for me to try and make a difference by funding experts in the field of cancer treatment research. A small way to contribute to the next breakthrough or even a cure, preventing more families from losing their loved ones to this insidious disease.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, lent me a swag or bicycle, rode with me, towed me to the last kilometre, met me at the finish line, or simply wished me luck on this journey.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

I’m on a mission to defeat cancer.

Cancer doesn’t just affect one person, it shakes up families, friends and communities. This year, I will be taking a stand against it. 

In October 2026, I’m joining a community of passionate riders to cycle 200km to raise vital funds for cancer research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

Every dollar pushes us closer to breakthroughs at the Perkins where brilliant researchers work tirelessly to find life-saving answers for some of the toughest cancers. But they also need our help to ensure their vital progress continues– no matter what.

 100% of the funds we raise will go back to the Perkins giving cancer researchers the support to continue their life-saving work so that our loved ones can live longer, healthier lives.

The Ride is more than just a test of endurance—it’s about unity. I'll ride alongside an incredible group of people who believe, as I do, that cancer can be conquered. Your support can turn this belief into reality.

I can’t do this alone. Will you help me to reach this goal?

Whether you join me on the Ride or support my fundraising, your generosity could be the key to saving our loved ones from this disease.

Together, we can beat cancer!

Your Impact

So far this year I helped provide...

10

Microscope

Hours of Research

$26,041 Raised since

Thank you to my Sponsors

Breakthrough Donor

$527.50

Praxis Property

Great work Polky J! Huge effort. Ride hard!
Breakthrough Donor

$515.50

Wild Lab

Congratulations on your 10th year riding in the MACA Cancer 200 — an incredible milestone. What began as a personal challenge now carries a much deeper meaning, riding in honour of our sister Jessamy. Your commitment, strength, and purpose behind every kilometre are something to be truly proud of. On behalf of Wild Lab, we’re proud to support you with a $500 donation. Ride strong — she’d be proud!

$263.75

David Polkinghorne

$250

Thiess Matched Giving

Matched Giving Thanks to Thiess

$116.10

David Polkinghorne

$115.38

Emily Peters

Always so proud of you x

$115

David Polkinghorne

$115

David Polkinghorne

$115

David Polkinghorne

$106.12

Tilde Sheppard

You’re a legend, David. Thanks for doing this for Jess!

$89.34

Juniper Sheppard

Go Uncle Polky J!

$71.96

Evelyn Sheppard

Go Uncle Polky J!

$57.30

Anonymous

Continue the cause! 👏🙌

$57.30

Matt Buchanan

Well done David!

$54.12

Martin Polkinghorne

Congratulations on your amazing commitment to this wonderful cause.

$30

Katie Polkinghorne

🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷