Cancer victims have their own personal battle that can feel like a mountain of a challenge.
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Now one Southern Highlands organisation has opted to take up the fight in an effort to help sufferers during some of their toughest times.
The Mount Kosciuszko Challenge is an annual event hosted by Rare Cancers Australia, an organisation that is based in the Southern Highlands.
It aims to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Australians diagnosed with a rare and less common cancer.
This year, the climb will begin in Thredbo and peak at the Mount Kosciuszko summit on Saturday, March 2.
More than 52,000 Australians are diagnosed each year with a rare and less common cancer and several Highlanders will be cycling to draw attention to the Rare Cancers cause.
This year, an additional feature of the Mount Kosciuszko Challenge will be the Parliament to the Peak (P2P).
Founder and Head of Patient Care for Rare Cancers Australia, Kate Vines, and husband, Richard Vines, Founder and CEO have walked the walk and talked the talk for their beliefs.
“Richard and I walked from Parliament House in Canberra to the peak of Mount Kosciuszko in 2013 to help raise awareness of the 52,000 Australians diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer,” Ms Vines said.
“We’re just delighted that this year 50 riders will be following our initiative and riding the same route, albeit that they will do it in two days where Richard and I took 10 days.”
Mr Vines said “we are really excited to be adding cycling to the Kosi Challenge.”
“It's a great two-day event and will give weekend riders the ‘Tour’ sensation,” he said.
“It's really well designed, and riders will be fully supported.
“We really hope riders will embrace our ‘Tour de Rare’ and also join in the big walk to the top of Mount Kosciuszko on Saturday.”
Southern Highlands Cycling Club president and Rare Cancers Australia’s community engagement manager, Zac Hulm said, “I’m excited to be in the pelotons of cyclists on a fully supported two stage ride.”
“I’m looking forward to riding through the beautiful NSW high country, and the finish in the snowy mountains,” he said.
“I have been training on local climbs so I’ll be ready to tackle the Alpine Way up to Thredbo.
“Supporting Rare Cancers Australia, who are based in Bowral is an amazing feeling too.”
It's a great two-day event and will give weekend riders the 'Tour' sensation.
- Richard Vines, Founder and Chairman of Rare Cancers Australia
To participate in the P2P Cycle Ride, registration costs are $250.
This includes registration for the Kosciuszko Challenge, cycling jersey and a rare cap
Registrations close on Friday February 22 at 12 pm. Children under 18 are not permitted in the P2P Ride.
The Kosciuszko Challenge Climb on its own is $70 for adults and $25 for children under 15.
There are still spots available for the Ride and the Walk, you can register from here link: https://evenico-kc.azurewebsites.net
For more information you can call Zac Hulm on 0410 435 148.