Cycling for a cause has Val lapping Wonthaggi

WO

NTHAGGI’S Val Bartley is taking on her ninth Great Cycle Challenge throughout October.

Val and husband Mike discovered their shared love of bike riding several years ago and took part in their first Great Cycle Challenge in 2015.

“We started cycling as mature-aged people, and we just love it. We came across the Great Cycle Challenge on Facebook and we’ve been doing it ever since,” Val said.

This year, Val has pledged to ride 300 kilometres by the end of the month.

Val can be seen riding – rain or shine – through Wonthaggi’s wetlands.

“This is my first challenge since moving to Wonthaggi and there’s certainly been a mix of weather so far. I’m hoping to do around 10 kilometres per day, which is four circuits of the wetlands,” she said.  

One of the biggest cycling events in Australia, the Great Cycle Challenge raises funds to support the researchers of the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).

Through the month of October, thousands of cyclists are sponsored to take to the paths and trails, with all proceeds going towards critical research to develop effective treatments for childhood cancers.

Statistics reveal more than 600 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer every year and three children die each week.

The aim of the CMRI is to accelerate research into children’s genetic diseases, birth defects and childhood cancer and produce treatments that will help children lead happier lives. 

Val and Mike had the fortune to visit CMRI to see their funds at work, which spurred their dedication to completing the challenge each year.

“It was mind-blowing and makes you appreciative of the brilliant minds behind this research. It’s horrific and heartbreaking what these little ones have to go through,” Val said.

Sponsoring a cyclist supports the progress of important discoveries, which will create brighter futures for Australian children battling illness. 

To follow Val’s progress and to donate to the worthwhile cause, follow the link greatcyclechallenge.com.au/riders/valeriebartley.