Thousands raise millions in the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer

Australia’s largest fundraising event series draws 1,124 riders and supports vital cancer research and clinical trials at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane.

Today the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer announced 1,124 riders helped raise over $3.8million for the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute as the fourth annual Ride commenced on Saturday in Brisbane. Funds raised through Australia’s largest fundraising event series support life-saving cancer research and clinical trials at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane.

“We are very grateful to the passionate community of riders, volunteers, crew members, donors and sponsors who helped make our fourth annual Rio Tinto Ride To Conquer Cancer a success,” said Professor Frank Gannon, Director of QIMR Berghofer.

“Each year, nearly 21,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer and over 7,000 Queenslanders will lose their battle. The $3.8 million raised continues to power dozens of ground-breaking research programs investigating the causes of more than 13 cancers including skin, brain, colorectal, breast, ovarian, blood and lymphoma right here in Queensland,” added Professor Gannon.

In four years, The Ride to Conquer Cancer raised almost $18 million for QIMR Berghofer for cancer research, treatment and care programs across the nation to become the largest fundraising event series in Australian history.

In Queensland, the annual two-day, 200km ride from Brisbane to Lake Wivenhoe and back, draws thousands of participants and brings together communities of survivors, cyclists and supporters who train and fundraise for months in order to participate.

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1992, have since had two operations for colon cancer and have not been completely cleared of prostate cancer,” said 71-year-old Bob Yabsley, a second-year participant from Bribie Island.

“This year I am riding for myself, in memory of my two brothers who lost their battle with bowel cancer in 2009, my aunt who lost her fight in May and to raise as much money as possible for QIMR Berghofer. I am passionate about cancer research as I have two children, two grandchildren and I believe our only hope of beating this rotten disease is through research. The money we can raise is for the most worthwhile cause I can imagine,” Mr. Yabsley added.

In 2011 Rio Tinto became the title sponsor of The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Since then Rio Tinto employees, their family and friends have raised more than $1 million for The Ride in Queensland. Funds donated by Rio Tinto enable more dollars raised by Ride participants to directly support cancer research and clinical trials across the state.

“Rio Tinto is very proud to support the Ride and the talented scientists at QIMR Berghofer who are at the forefront of global cancer research,” said Rio Tinto co-captain Martyn Robotham.

“This weekend we are all riding for someone. Our hope is that the money we have raised will mean we never have to hear about the cancer diagnosis of another family member or friend.

“Rio Tinto salutes and congratulates everyone riding or involved with this weekend, and we look forward to hearing about the new cancer research projects at QIMR Berghofer that this money will support,” Mr. Robotham added.

Ride organizers released 15 and 16 August for the 2015 Ride, and encouraged people of all athletic abilities to participate by registering.

“We extend a warm welcome to everyone here this weekend and encourage everyone to join us next year for the fifth annual Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer,” said Professor Gannon. “Register today by visiting www.conquercancer.org.au or by calling 1300 11 RIDE (7433),” Professor Gannon concluded.

Ride organizers expect thousands of supporters to attend public cheering stations along the route. For a map of the Ride routes, visit www.conquercancer.org.au