John Swainston
- National: 6th
- State: 2nd 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 am 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 am 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 am lucky enough to have arrived at 76 years of age. Giving back is the least I can do, given good health. Please 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 for your support. It means a lot.
My Legacy
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205 km Ridden$5,091 Raised2013
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79 km Ridden$4,036 Raised2025
My Challenge
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Achieving a major milestone : Day 4
5 Oct 2025Sunday before NSW Labour Day. A mild breeze WNW at 29kms. Perfect blue sky. 15 degrees here in the Southern Highlands. Having ridden 19km last evening, I set out to make an altogether longer ride. Just $70 short of $3,000 raised and starting with 49km of the 360km distance goal already ridden. 3 weeks to go to raise that $1,070.
Well the wind doubled in speed and shifted to WSW. Everything was suddenly harder. The muscles protested even at modest hills. But I got there. Brought the ride average to 20kms, after 4 rides. Just ahead of target
A family grandkids afternoon. Over a cuppa I checked my emails. Gobsmacked by a single donation that got me to the $4,000 target today, day 4 of 31. So generous. Making a big difference for Kids with cancer. Children’s Medicsl Research will put this to great use.
So for the next 27 days I am redoubling my efforts. I’ll be raising my financial goal and making sure to get those kms under my belt. Just in case a period of heavy rain gets in the way.
I have a big announcement this coming Tuesday so stay tuned. Very exciting. Wednesday could be the day that breaks all records. But only if YOU are on board.
Go well ! And please donate, perhaps even wait for Tuesday’s announcement . It will be VERY rewarding.
Posted 18 hours ago -
28.9 km ride - Sunday October 5 - Ride 4 - Sunday, October 5, 2025
Logged this ride 1 day ago -
19.2 km ride - Ride 3. Saturday at 18.18 - Saturday, October 4, 2025
Logged this ride 2 days ago -
15.3 km ride - Thursday, October 2, 2025
Logged this ride 4 days ago -
15.3 km ride - October 1st : Ride One - Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Logged this ride 5 days ago -
$2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 7 days ago -
6th Day of Training: Another 15.5kms, with 77km/hr wind gusts!
26 Sep 2025Here in the Southern Highlands it was blowing gusts of 77km at 11.30am this morning when I was out training. The 15.5km run had me nearly blown off a couple of times, but good to remind oneself of safe riding, constant vigilance. Suffice to say beating into that wind had me down to 11km/hr, but 40km/hr when riding East! Getting ready for the off next Wednesday, 1st October. I hope you'll join me in helping to fight against Kids' cancer by donating to the ride . TIA. John
Posted 10 days ago -
$2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 14 days ago -
End of first week of training
21 Sep 2025A huge thank you to all of you who have supported my return to the bicycle saddle in such an important cause. Today, sunny.... but a cool 9 degrees start. What worried me was the 40km gusts from the southwesterly. Finally got the balance right to deal with that, but the lungs protested a bit beating into the worst of it. Down along Bong Bong Common, up through the glorious streets of Burradoo, here in the Highlands, and then a return run. That got me to 14.8km. Yes, tiring through the buffeting of the wind. But then I thought: 'Heck, how about making it 20km?'. So, off I went again did most of the return run on Bong Bong Common and then back for 21km total this morning. Oof! I am going to upload my videos to Vimeo tomorrow, so they can all be viewed there. I'll put up a link when done. Again thanks for the support. It's what helps me keep training, so I am ready for the Great Cycle Challenge, which officially starts on October 1st. Remember: I'm riding to support the Fight Against Kids' Cancer. Till next time. John
Posted 15 days ago -
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 18 days ago
My Sponsors
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christoph mueller
$1,062.95Received this donation 20 hours 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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Ann-Marie Paterson
$124.20Received this donation 18 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 7 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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Garricks Camera House
“Well done mate!”
$124.20Received this donation 17 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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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 18 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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Simon Pockley
“Here's to the 70s a period a grace and intrepid adventure.”
$124.20Received this donation 12 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 21 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 22 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 17 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 15 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 15 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 17 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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Camilla Williams
“Good on you John. You have gold in your heart and steel in your legs.”
$72.45Received this donation 2 days ago
John
“Oh Camilla - Thank you. Will call you about the copy work. Hoping there’s a day this week. Possibly Thursday. J”
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David Stallard
“Great effort John”
$72.45Received this donation 18 days ago
John
“David, thanks so much. So lovely to hear from you and greatly appreciate your help. Both of us know too many friends and family afflicted with this terrible disease, young and old. Bests to you both.”
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John Kane
“Just keep pedalling…”
$72.45Received this donation 14 days ago
John
“John - Thanks So much!! To have hit over $2,000 9 days before the start of the effort means we'll have a real chance of getting over $4,000 by the time we end at the end of October. I really appreciate your support, as will the kids who benefit.”
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John Kilby
“Great cause JD happy peddling.”
$72.45Received this donation 17 days ago
John
“John, that is exceptionally kind of you. I am thrilled you have chosen to be involved. My phone number has not changed. The number I have for you ends **472. Are you still contactable on that? We must catch up in coming days. I am now two hours closer to where you used to live but even that may have changed. More when we talk. Thank you again.”
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Mark Baker
“Go hard John..great work. Crusty”
$72.45Received this donation 20 days ago
John
“Mark, so greatly appreciated. Cathch up when you are not travelling!”
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Mark Passfield
“Go John! A great cause. All the best for it, Mark”
$72.45Received this donation 5 days ago
John
“Mark: That’s most generous. Thank you. Every dlllar helps those little ones and funds the research they need so much.”
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Meg Probyn
“Well done to you, John! Wish I had your legs!!”
$72.45Received this donation 18 days ago
John
“Meg, thank you for your contribution. Really appreciated. And thank both you and Clive for the genuine welcome and friendship you've given me as part of the Highlands Community. It is incredibly powerful and sustaining. So thanks. Your help will be part of helping more young children to have better outcomes.”
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Paul Boniface
“Great ride John You are an inspiration.”
$72.45Received this donation 2 days ago
John
“Thank you Paul. Really appreciate your generosity. We are going really well and I think there’s a real chance we’ll beat 2013 when we were both still involved in photo.”