It sounds like the start to a song itself, but today kicks off a 1,000km journey for 35 cyclists and one award-winning singer, Catherine Britt, to raise money for Camp Quality.
Starting in Ipswich, the epic cycle challenge – the Glencore 1,000 Ks 4 Kids – will pass through the towns of Toowoomba, Warwick, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Uralla, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Murrurundi and Singleton, finishing the journey in Newcastle.
The event has grown year on year, in 2011 it had 18 cyclists participate and raise $115,000. Last year, 30 cyclists participated and raised $250,000 and this year the goal is for the 35 participating cyclists to raise $300,000 – which would be enough for Camp Quality to support 75 families who have a child living with cancer for the next year.
Donna George, Camp Quality Fundraising Coordinator, said that taking Camp Quality's message on the road in this way is such a great way to engage local communities with our work.
“As well as raising funds to help create a better life for every child living with cancer, our puppet show travels with us to teach pupils how to be supportive of kids with cancer,” Donna said.
“In addition, the cyclists and support crew spread around Camp Quality's infectious mantra of optimism and fun therapy ‚Äì so I urge local communities along the route to turn out in force to cheer the cyclists on and enjoy the exciting atmosphere.”
Country singer Catherine Britt will be undertaking the entire distance to help promote the cause.
“I've been so inspired by the heartbreak cures that Camp Quality offers to families going through such a traumatic time, that I've agreed to cycle all 1000Ks of the challenge,” Catherine said.
“It's going to be an amazing ten days ‚Äì I only hope my legs last the distance!”
Cyclists will arrive at The Junction Hotel, Newcastle from 11am on Sunday 15 September for a major welcome home party and family fun day. Festivities will start at 9.00 am and food, live entertainment, street stalls, balloons, face painting and some Camp Quality style fun therapy will be on offer.
Camp Quality is the children's family cancer charity and Our purpose is to create a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia. The services they provide for children living with cancer and their families help them build optimism and resilience.
