IN January last year Lindsay Davies lost his son Jayden to bone cancer (osteosarcoma) when he was 17. Jayden was a talented sportsman, and loved footy, cricket and being with his mates, he said.
Inspired by Jayden’s “strength, guts and dignity”, Mr Davies is embarking on the Ride to Conquer Cancer for a second year. “It is an honour to ride in Jayden’s team: ‘Hope Is stronger Than Fate’, he said.
Last year the group raised $39,439 and, this year’s 14-rider team hopes to exceed $50,000.
“It is a huge challenge personally, however, the greater challenge is creating awareness and raising vital funds for cancer research for The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre,” Mr Davies said.
On Saturday 5 September the team will hold a Tour de France night, with live and silent auctions of road and mountain bikes, bike gear, AFL, horse racing sporting memorabilia and beauty products. “Two great items we have secured are a framed signed Cadel Evans jersey and a Kubota ride on mower valued at $7000,” he said.
“One of our initiatives is a $500 sponsorship in which a company, or organisation, is recognised on the team’s custom riding jerseys to be worn over the two-day event, as well as an invitation to promote their business on the night.”
Jayden Davies charity football and cricket games will be played in coming weeks creating further exposure for sponsors. Every dollar raised will help another person, another family, Mr Davies said.
For more details see Conquer Cancer Tour de France Night on Facebook
To book for the event see trybooking.com/ICOY or call Lindsay Davies on 0400 331 743.