John Swainston
- National: 37th
- State: 17th in NSW
I'm Riding For
Philo
Someone who has got through an amazing decade of treatment and through it found her voice in written words.
My Story
This October, I have been taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
I am afraid it was 2013 when I last rode in the Great Cycle Challenge. 204km and A$5,091 raised from around the world from some very generous folk. I even ended up being the 3rd biggest fundraiser in NSW and 13th nationally. In the meantime I've lost far too many friends from cancer, including children of dear friends.
Right now, cancer is the largest single killer of children from disease in Australia – over 700 children are diagnosed with cancer every year and sadly, 3 die every week. Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
And so, I have been riding and raising funds to support the Children's Medical Research Institute to continue their work into the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and finding a cure for childhood cancer. I rode 366km of my 360km goal and raised over $7,000, , more than 7X my original target of $1,000. That, my friends, is thanks to supporters and donors like you.
I am lucky enough to have arrived at 76 years of age. Giving back has beenthe least I can do, given good health. For a few more days you can still support my challenge by making a donation through my fundraising page to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve.
Together, we can save little lives.
Thanks so much for your support, the wonderful messages and phone calls. It means a lot to me. But it'll mean SO MUCH MORE to the children who will benefit.
My Legacy
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205 km Ridden$5,091 Raised2013
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367 km Ridden$7,032 Raised2025
My Challenge
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Reflecting on supporting young children in the Great Cycle Challenge
31 Oct 2025At 76 one is in or entering the final chapter of life. You reflect a lot on the past. But thinking about the future helps retain purpose and inspire new initiatives. In 2025 I rode the GCC for the second time. My first ride was in 2013. I was employed then. I had a worldwide network. $5,000 raised and 200kms ridden. It felt good to be giving support for a group that can’t help themselves. 12 years older this year, a chance encounter in a shopping centre reminded me of those exploits. I’d giving up riding from fear of a fall with potential irreparable shoulder damage. But when I rethought it, improved risk management and better training and bike service, that risk seemed now to be reasonable compared to the benefit any funds raised meant to kids in need.
Training for 5 weeks got me to the start line. A remarkable network of largely linked cycle paths in the NSW Southern Highlands and manageable topography meant 30-35kms per ride was possible. And finally my social media and professional connections driven by photos, video and updates, supported by a great public reporting platform from GCC which customises individual progress.
The rides have not been without discomfort. How minimal they are compared with what those young children with cancer go through. I lost both parents to cancer. I volunteer locally here with Can Assist Southern Highlands branch to help fund care for adults. I currently have 8 friends in treatment.
The 73 generous donors have been a group where almost half of them have endured or had a family member with cancer, some who have lost children through the terrible affliction.
So as we come to the end of this journey, I thank all of my supporters from around the world. You have all made a beneficial difference to a little person we may never even know. Because your funds will add to the body of research that progressively unlocks keys to better outcomes. I end the month fitter than I was at 50, feeling a sense of some accomplishment, proud that so many fellow Australians have joined together in this purpose and encouraging me to think about what more I might contribute. I have already had a wonderful, productive life. Above anything else, this month’s rides were all about giving those 700 young folk who are diagnosed with cancer each year, a better chance to go on to lead happy, healthy lives themselves, in part thanks to the research we have all funded through the GCC and the Children’s Medical Research Institute here in Australia.
Thanks again for YOUR support. John xx
Posted 15 days ago -
32.7 km ride - Across the finish line - Thursday, October 30, 2025
Logged this ride 17 days ago -
34.3 km ride - Penultimate ride: Ride 14 - Monday, October 27, 2025
Logged this ride 20 days ago -
35.8 km ride - Longest ride: Rain ahead for the final week - Saturday, October 25, 2025
Logged this ride 22 days ago -
24.2 km ride - To less than 100km left! Ride 12 - Friday, October 24, 2025
Logged this ride 23 days ago -
Into the final week- 6 more rides
23 Oct 2025Thursday 23rd October provided a second day of matching funds up to $80,000. Thanks to the generosity of yesterday’s donors and the proportionate share of the $80,000, (because it was oversubscribed, which is terrific,) I was able to add some $900. I also clocked up another 15km after a long working day of commercial photography for a valued client.
Until yesterday My goal was $6,000. Well we are now at $6,500+. And I have ridden 2/3 of my target 360km.
So in the 8 days and likely 6 rides left I am trying to add an extra $500 and ride 120 more kilometres.
To my wonderful supporters, a massive thank you. What the more than $2M in funds raised nationally mean for child cancer research won’t be known immediately. But what is certain is that the funding will raise the chances of new courses of intervention to improve outcomes. Your contribution gives more children the chance to grow up to become healthy adults and lead full lives. No child should have to fight for life. That’s why I, at 76, am now focused on that final 120km in 8 days and hopefully achieve that raised bar of $500 more. If you’ve read this far, you are deeply valued. Thank you. And A huge shout out to Marjo Hallowell from Bargo, NSW whose efforts inspired me to start back on the bike this year in the GCC, and who, with family members and her various community supporters, have raised a whopping $46,000 this year in this initiative.
https://greatcyclechallenge.com.au/Riders/JohnSwainston1
Posted 23 days ago -
15.4 km ride - Ride 11 East Bowral - Thursday, October 23, 2025
Logged this ride 24 days ago -
15.8 km ride - Tuesday. Bicentennial Park ride 10 - Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Logged this ride 26 days ago -
22.4 km ride - Ride 9 : Monday return to the ride - Monday, October 20, 2025
Logged this ride 27 days ago -
33.7 km ride - Wednesday. Ride 8 - Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Logged this ride 32 days ago
My Sponsors
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christoph mueller
$1,062.95Received this donation 42 days ago
John
“Christoph Your generosity has overwhelmed me. I am without words. So many people will benefit from your great kindness. THANK YOU SO MUCH!”
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day Matching Donation
“Here's your matched donation from our generous supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$521.06Received this donation 38 days ago
John
“Quite overwhelming what it means for so many little people. A huge thank you.”
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Great work John for a fantastic cause from the team at APTECH
$414Received this donation 24 days ago
John
“I am deeply grateful. Thank you so much. You have just improved the quality of life for someone who deserves a full life ahead.”
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Match Day Matching Donation
“Here's your matched donation from our generous supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to fight kids' cancer!”
$295.18Received this donation 23 days ago
John
“To those who made my efforts and the donations of my supporters worth so much more, a deep thank you. It helps drive us on to greater heights and brings the chance of better treatments for children with cancer, ever closer.”
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Michel Halbwachs
$274.28Received this donation 35 days ago
John
“Michel, Bien merci! Le monde est vraiement petit. Thank you so much for your very generous donation. Go well I will pedal even harder tomorrow. Amitiés à tous en Maurice.”
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Ann-Marie Paterson
$124.20Received this donation 58 days ago
John
“Ann-Marie, you are most generous. I thank you. Here’s hoping our contributions will make a difference for each child affected.”
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ANTHONY BROWELL
“Go for it John, Great way to feel good for others, and yourself.. Bonza, and thank you, Anthony.”
$124.20Received this donation 48 days ago
John
“Anthony - We've been incredibly fortunate to have made it this far. This is about helping in a small way to give others a shot at a full, quality life. Your donation is both generous and much appreciated. Thank YOU!”
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des crawley
“Great work for a great cause. Leave the magpies alone!”
$124.20Received this donation 39 days ago
John
“Thanks Des. All to help the people that help that little person in your life. Bless him for the joy he brings.”
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Garricks Camera House
“Well done mate!”
$124.20Received this donation 58 days ago
John
“Adam - How absolutely beaut of you to remember me and contribute. I really am overwhelmed by the support, even before we start on the long journey next month. Who knows? I might even beat my 2014 effort where we raised $4,500. Did another 12.5kms this morning and managed to get a bit lost, resulting in a few hills that I am not quite ready for yet! Go well my friend. I'll be posting update reels on Facebook most days, and then all of October.”
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James Murray
“Well done John!”
$124.20Received this donation 24 days ago
John
“James Thank you so much. A great way to get that goal.”
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Philomena ONeil
“Congratulations to John Swainston and everyone else who has taken on this challenge. It is such a worthy cause.”
$124.20Received this donation 59 days ago
John
“Oh Philo! - Thank you so much. I don't know what to say. Other than - Thank you so very much. Just hope my body holds out. Bit worried about my left knee. I think it's developing a touch of bursitis after unaccustomed effort.”
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Raymond Khoury
“Well done John. Few people walk their talk, but you do. You are exemplary.”
$124.20Received this donation 39 days ago
John
“Raymond, that is so generous, especially as it will be doubled in value by matching sponsors today. Thank you so much.”
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Simon Pockley
“Here's to the 70s a period a grace and intrepid adventure.”
$124.20Received this donation 53 days ago
John
“Many, many thanks Simon. Hoping I won't let all of you wonderful supporters down. The journey's the thing.”
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Damian Leonard
“Pedal safely John. Hope you manage to squeeze a book listen or two in over the kms ridden.”
$103.50Received this donation 62 days ago
John
“Damian - thanks. Yes, part of the plan. Many thanks for the support. Looking forward to the 28th.”
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Duncan Dodd
$103.50Received this donation 62 days ago
John
“Oh Duncan, Thank you so much for joining in. I remember you were very supportive last time, too, so extra special thanks.”
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John and Eliza Corley
“Sending best wishes for a fantastic ride !!”
$103.50Received this donation 58 days ago
John
“Bless the two of you. The privilege of working with you in promoting the wonderful music that you create has been a real joy. This ride journey through October will help some super little heroes going through something no child should ever experience, and people like you will all have helped. Thank you.”
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Rick Stevens
$103.50Received this donation 55 days ago
John
“Bless you, Rick! Very generous. The pressure is now well and truly on. So much wonderful support for this great cause. This old bloke now has to deliver! I expect nothing less than a full team of press photographers on 31st October! Many, many thanks.”
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William McCurry
“Thank you John for supporting the kids! Best of success to you!”
$103.50Received this donation 56 days ago
John
“Bill, many many thanks. I owe you so much over the past three decades. Into the final furlong on the book. A few last additions in England and France in November and December. Still on track for Easter.”
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Adam Wilson
$72.45Received this donation 58 days ago
John
“Adam, thanks so much for your support. It's been a very long friendship indeed. I hope all of your family is well.”
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Barbara Seager
“Well done John. Amazing effort. Thank you”
$72.45Received this donation 23 days ago
John
“Barb, Thank you so much. We all know the tragedy of lives cut shot, especially today. So appreciate your support. You have had a marvelous trip, I see, so a big welcome home. Hope to catch up when I return from my trip which starts on 12th Nov. All the very best and thank you.”