Reflecting on supporting young children in the Great Cycle Challenge

At 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

Into the final week- 6 more rides

Thursday 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