WELLINGTON Point father-of-three Richard Ford is gearing up for one of the toughest rides of his life, a 100 kilometre journey from Brisbane to the Gold Coast this Sunday, driven by heartbreak, resilience and a determination to help spare other families from the pain cancer has caused his own.
Mr Ford, a construction manager, has endured what he describes as “pretty rare” and devastating loss, with both parents passing away from the exact same brain cancer.
His brother-in-law has spent years battling multiple cancers, and a close friend was recently diagnosed with leukaemia and given months to live.
“It’s never easy losing a loved one,” Mr Ford said.
“My brother-in-law has had a tough ride but has never complained and has just gotten on with life.
“If he can cope day to day, I can ride 100 kilometres. Cancer can be cruel.”
The Wellington Point community has rallied behind him with overwhelming generosity.
Mr Ford initially set a fundraising target of $10,000, but donations have surged past $20,000.
“The donations coming in have been incredible,” he said.
“I’ve had many work colleagues and friends get behind me and it means a lot.”
This year marks Mr Ford’s second attempt at the Mater’s Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer, after a flat tyre at Yatala cut his first ride short.
“I flattened a wheel at Yatala when I first did the ride, it’s been a monkey on my back ever since,” he said.
More than 3000 riders will take part in the event, which begins at Grey St in South Brisbane before entering the South-East Busway for a rare traffic-free run out of the city.
Rest stops at Eagleby and Coomera State School will break up the gruelling distance, with the finish line waiting at Broadwater Parklands.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said every dollar raised would help fund life-saving research and equipment.
“Around 450 people are diagnosed with cancer every day in Australia, and this is a small way to show support to those going through some of the hardest days of their lives,” he said.
For Mr Ford, the ride is about honouring loved ones and helping future families.
“You just have to be grateful for what we have every day, you never know what is around the corner,” he said.
