Seventy cyclists met up to take part in the event in the early hours of January 16.
The group then split in two, with approximately 40 experienced riders completing a 50km loop while the remaining riders followed Ray Hamilton of the Echuca Moama Cycling Club, down local bike tracks.
After the ride was completed, a cooked breakfast was provided to the riders and their families for a $5 donation.
Cadell Food Services provided the supplies for the breakfast.
The breakfast donations went towards total funds raised for the cancer centre.
Just over a $1000 was raised from the breakfast alone.
Mr Hamilton came up with the concept for the cycling fundraiser but said it was really “a combined effort” from the community that saw the event go ahead.
There were at least 10 community-minded people helping out with the organisational elements of the event, such as supervision of the cyclists on the ride, catering and cooking.
“We had a fantastic time,” Mr Hamilton said.
“We were all eating our breakfasts dressed in lycra.”
Raising funds for ERH is certainly not new to Mr Hamilton or the Echuca Moama Cycling Club.
“I’ve been involved with raising money for the hospital over the last 30 years.”
Mr Hamilton has helped to organise many previous ERH cycling fundraising events like Murray to Moyne and Port to Port.
But this time Mr Hamilton has a personal motivation for wanting to see the cancer and wellness centre being built.
Mr Hamilton’s wife has cancer.
Having a cancer centre in Echuca means that the Hamilton family will no longer be required to travel to Bendigo or Melbourne every fortnight for check-ups and treatment.
Mr Hamilton said he would continue working towards raising more funds for the centre, saying “this will be an ongoing thing.”
ERH chief executive Robyn Lindsay was grateful to all the individuals and businesses who came together to host, participate and donate towards the fundraiser.
“We are really grateful to Ray and the Echuca-Moama cycling community for not only providing the financial support but also for bringing the community together to support healthcare.”
“It’s also a boost for our staff who can feel the support of the community behind them.”
ERH continues to raise funds for the cancer and wellness centre. You can donate here: https://erh.org.au/cancerandwellness/donate-to-cancer-and-wellness-centre/
