meet our champions

Everyone who rides, volunteers or fundraises for this event is a hero and each has a story on why supporting cancer research at the Perkins matters.

Meet a few of the champions from the MACA Cancer 200 Community.

"IT'S A WEEKEND OF SMILES, JOY AND HOPE"

TARYN JOHNSTON

TEAM CRACK CYCLING

In 2023, prompted by the persistence of a close friend, Taryn had her first mammogram at the age of 48, a decision that may have saved her life.

That initial mammogram revealed the presence of cancer, leading to a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. The news was devastating and filled her with fear about what the future might hold.

Not long after, she underwent a unilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. The surgery was successful, and thanks to that life-saving procedure, no further treatment was required.

Last year, she rode as a yellow flag rider, honouring her cancer journey and the reality that anyone could hear the words, “It’s cancer.”

She rides in Team Crack Cycling alongside her husband Paul, who first signed up for the Ride after his mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. Together, they understand the critical importance of targeted cancer treatments and access to essential health services.

Each year, they return driven by the visible impact their fundraising has on local cancer research and are inspired by the powerful community united to put an end to cancer.

ADAL LOPEZ

TEAM COJ CRUSADERS

Adal first joined the Ride in 2020 after asking about a Cancer 200 money box on a colleague's desk at work.

And despite being affected from COVID he completed the 200km and was inspired to return by the comaraderie of other riders.

Cancer has left a painful mark on his life. He has lost family members to the disease, including his close cousin Marianne.

Marianne was a vibrant, resilient woman and a devoted mother of two young children. She won the initial battle, going into remission, but sadly the cancer returned aggressively, and she passed away in 2020 at the age of 35.

The loss felt unbearably cruel, and it’s why Adal rides, wanting to do all he can for a future where cancer no longer takes our loved ones away.

This year he'll ride for the sixth time and as Team Captain of COJ Crusaders.

"I'M ONLY ONE PERSON BUT I KNOW I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

"The RIDE IS A WAY TO REMEMBER THOSE BRAVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUGHT CANCER."

PAT XANTHIS

TEAM BALLS & ALL CYCLING

Pat believes that families shouldn't go through the tragedy and heartache of cancer and he wants to do all he can to make that a reality.

Last year was his first time participating in the Ride and he loved it. The camaraderie, the inspiring speeches, the event itself, and the touching tributes honouring lost loved ones and celebrating survivors all left a lasting impression.

He rides in memory of his sister-in-law, Sophia, who lost her battle with triple negative breast cancer in 2015. Witnessing what she endured was heartbreaking, and it strengthened his resolve to do whatever he can to support cancer research at the Perkins.

JUSTIN COE

TEAM RIDE FOR CATRIONA

Justin Coe rides for his late wife, Catriona.

She was his world and after nearly two years of misdiagnoses, they were delivered the devastating news that Cartriona had angiosarcoma.

For four years it turned their lives upside down as she underwent surgeries, four rounds of chemotherapy and five rounds of radiation. Throughout, Catriona fought with extraordinary courage but sadly passed away in August 2024.

The Ride gives Justin space to reflect on the incredible woman his wife as he rides with his supportive friends. Any pain he feels on the bike is nothing compared to what she endured.

Year after year, he rides to honour her strength and to push for earlier, better diagnoses so others won’t face the same heartbreak.

"IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO DESCRIBE THE IMPACT OF CANCER UNLESS YOU'VE GONE THROUGH IT."