CYCLIST Richard Woolford is gearing up for his fourth Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer on August 16 and 17.
This year his incentive to cross the finish line in a "respectable time" is that his wife will be at the finish line, albeit in a wheelchair.
Richard, 58, of Thornlands has ridden in the event for the past four years, but only on the first year was Pam well enough to be at the finish line.
"This year she will be there again, God willing," he said.
"It will be a buzz to have her there. The atmosphere is fantastic. It's an emotional time as cancer affects a lot of people so a lot of riders have ridden a long way in two days for a very good reason."
Richard will be riding his Bianchi C2C full carbon fibre bike in the event, which spans 220km between Brisbane and Lake Wivenhoe and back. A keen rider, he cycles at least three times a week.
"My wife has a neurodegenerative disease (Multiple Systems Atrophy) and I am her full time carer. Cycling gives me time to myself and the chance for fitness and relaxation," he said.
"While I am training for the ride I also have to raise funds for this insidious illness that sadly affects so many families. So much research and money has gone into finding curses for cancer, but tragically people still succumb to it."
Richard has exceeded the fund raising target of $2500 with contributions from various businesses, including Toowoomba Grammar School, which has supported him for the last two years. As a TGS Old Boy, Richard said he was grateful for the continued support.
Sales of Pam's children's books also contribute to the fund raising total. Pam has written three books entitled Enchanted Garden, The Little Pig that Ran Away to Save His Bacon and Zeppo the Little Dragon with the Big Problem. The books are for preschool age and are available in for $10 (orders at author@ acemail.com.au). Anyone able to support Richard's ride can contact him on bianchi@ acemail.com.au
The ride supports the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
