I’m on a mission to defeat cancer.

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

In 2012 my dear mum passed away after a seven year long battle against breast cancer. To honour her memory, and perhaps hoping to help others in similar struggles, I took part in the annual Ride to Conquer Cancer from 2013 to 2016 to raise funds in support of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (HPIMR).

After a bit of a cycling ‘sojourn’ over the intervening years, it was time to re-oil the gears and chain, get the feet on the pedals…and the voltaren on the legs…and get back to it!... so last year I returned to the fray and took part in the renamed 2025 MACA Cancer 200 Ride for The Perkins event!...and because this illness continues to take its toll!....In that time, friends and loved ones have received that devastating diagnosis, and sadly in 2024, my friends and I lost three wonderful people…Carol, Terry and Wayne... after long and courageous battles against this disease!....... 

And so again…in their honour and memory, I'll be participating in the 2026 MACA Cancer 200 Ride for The Perkins 2-day cycling event on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October….. I'll be cycling over 200 kilometres that weekend, throughout Western Australia's countryside, with hundreds of other passionate Riders to raise vital funds for cancer research. Every dollar pushes us closer to breakthroughs at HPIMR 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 HPIMR giving cancer researchers the support to continue their life-saving work so that our loved ones can live longer, healthier lives. Like previous years, I've agreed to raise at least $2,500, and I've set my personal goal again at $3,600. Over those past years I was fortunate to raise over $16,000…. contributing to a total of over $82m over the 15 year life span of the rides by all the Riders! I know that many of you have kindly supported me before in these events, and for that you have my heartfelt gratitude. I realise that another request can be difficult to bear….however, it is a truly worthwhile cause and any donation that you can make will be much appreciated… even if you are not in a position to donate, your words of support and encouragement will be gratefully received.

You can use the link included in this message to go visit my webpage and offer support …….and forgive my lack of ‘social media’ savvy… but  please feel free to like or share this this post on any platform that you feel is appropriate.

Thank you for your time, patience and....generosity!

Yours sincerely

Garry

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

https://www.cancer200.org.au/fundraisers/garryleadbeater/cancer-200-2026