PETER Still of Milton and Janet Millwood of Ulladulla have only just met, but in coming weeks they will spend hours together cycling more than 200km.
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They are both taking part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, raising money for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA appeal, in which about 1000 riders will cycle more than 200km over two days.
Each competitor will raise at least $2500 to take part oin the ride, leaving Cathy Freeman Park at Homebush on October 11 and riding to Freeman’s Reach, the other side of Windsor, before returning the next days.
This is Janet’s first year in the event, and she is taking part to honour the many people affected by cancer.
“Everyone I speak to, they say ‘Can you ride for my sister’ or ‘Can you ride for my brother’,” Janet said.
“Whoever you speak to they’ve either lost someone or it’s very close to their heart .”
However she has her own personal reason for riding as “Ten years ago I lost a very good friend to cancer,” she said.
Peter is taking part in his second ride, and since they met in recent days has been advising Janet about training in preparation for the big event.
“You really just need to sit on your bike and get your road miles in,” he advised.
He said while the ride was raising money for a facility in Sydney, the local area continued to benefit from medical breakthroughs and improvements in treatment coming from the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
“There are local people getting benefit from it,” he said.
“I’ve known a couple of locals who have been sent to the Lifehouse for treatment.”
By last week Janet had raised $2800 for the charity and Peter $6500, and they are appealing for more donations that can be made online at www.conquercancer.org.au, clicking on Sydney and the green donate button, and then typing in the rider’s name.
While Peter and Janet are the only riders from the Milton Ulladulla area taking part in the event, they will be joined by a couple of Chrissies.
Peter’s wife Chrissy Still and Janet’s daughter Chrissy Tessarolo are in the support crews, and will be joining the riders on the night on October 11 at Freeman’s Reach, where cyclists are encouraged to camp for the night.