Sunday 26 February 27 riders rode from Bunbury, through Busselton, to Dunsborough as part of the 10-year anniversary of the Red Sky Ride. Day 2 saw the cyclists ride 130 kilometres of coastal roads and summer heat. Cyclists spoke with local community groups, the Dunsborough Lions Club and CWA Dunsborough.
The Red Sky Riders started their epic 1000 km, 8 day ride across the Great South West on Saturday, 25 February 2017. These individuals will not only be pushing themselves to their personal limit, but are making a major difference to Western Australians with cancer. Supported by a fantastic team of volunteers and local heroes, the Red Sky Riders are aiming to raise $400,000.00.
Providing vital support to cancer patients in regional areas is an important aspect of the Red Sky Ride. Many patients and families from the Busselton-Dunsborough region use the support services provided in SolarisCare South West Centre, Bunbury and access the same services when travelling to Perth for their treatment.
Survivor and 2017 Red Sky Ride Ambassador Ryan Doran’s cancer journey started within weeks of his birthday. Ryan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the following 6 to 9 months. “At 21 I was diagnosed with cancer, life wasn’t going to be as I expected but, I decided I need to do whatever needs to be done and get through it.”
The riders are cycling to help people like Ryan have a better quality of life during their cancer by raising funds and awareness of the Solaris Cancer Support Centres.
Solaris Cancer Care is a community based, not for profit organisation that provides free support services to help cancer patients and families through the emotional and physical effect of cancer treatment. Five centres across the state offer information, education, support and complementary therapies to cancer patients and their carers. All the therapies are evidenced based and have shown to reduce symptoms such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, depression and anxiety. Support is provided free of charge and this year we will have more than provide over 16,500 services through our centres.
