Mr Kelly today started another Tour de Cure fundraising ride.
It is his fifth, and with other fundraisers is taking on the nine day Signature Ride.
The riders left Coffs Harbour this morning and will conclude their ride in Noosa next Friday, March 24.
Even before he departed for the ride, Mr Kelly’s fundraising total was just over $20,000.
His goal is to raise $25,000 this year - which marks 10 years since losing his own father to cancer.
“February 2023 marked 10 years since Dad’s passing,” he said.
“In 2013, my brother Warrick, his wife Jean and three kids left their home just outside Noosa and drove 1,700km to spend time with Dad and support Mum after his diagnosis.
“As a registered nurse, Jean became his carer, ensuring that Dad could remain at home, where he was most comfortable.
“Thank you has never really felt sufficient to express my families gratitude.
“But riding to Noosa and raising funds for cancer research whilst doing so may just close that gap a little.
“Dad passed away three weeks after his diagnosis. The feeling of helplessness through that time hurt, and still does.
“It made me realise that I could do more. Riding a bike and raising funds for cancer research, support and education programs is my ‘do more’.”
From its humble beginnings in 2007, the Tour de Cure community has grown to become a national movement of thousands of people walking, running, riding, attending gala events, swimming and holding community fundraisers to raise awareness and inspire support in the fight to cure cancer.
The generosity of supporters has enabled Tour de Cure to raise almost $100 million, fund more than 771 cancer projects and contribute to 99 scientific cancer breakthroughs, making Tour de Cure one of the most significant Australian charities funding Australian Cancer Research.
The overall target is to raise $2 million from this ride, with Mr Kelly one of 172 riders being supported in that goal.
All the riders and support crew gathered in Coffs Habour yesterday and set off for the first leg between Coffs Harbour and Yamba this morning.
The ride will then stop in Ballina, Kingscliff, Broadbeach, Ipswich, Brisbane and Sandstone Point before ending in Noosa.
You can still sponsor Mr Kelly by going to https://tourdecure.grassrootz.com/signature-tour-2023/vincent-kelly-signature-tour-2023.
16°C