David riding for Allsorts of cancer research

SMS Surveyor David Ford is a keen cyclist and doesn’t shy away from a long distance ride with his friends, especially with his Ballarat-based cycling team Jimmy’s Allsorts.

In April the group rode 520km to raise funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Centre in Ballarat, Australia’s only regional cancer research centre.

All riders have been affected in by cancer, whether it is their own diagnosis or a loved one.

“This is a cause that means a lot to my family,” David said.

“My father has regular chemo treatment for his rare blood cancer condition and receives litres of blood every month to lower his blood cell count.”

Jimmy’s Allsorts joined other riders in the annual Murray to Moyne Cycle relay from Echuca on the Murray River south to the Moyne River in Port Fairy.

It was the fifth time they had ridden in the event having raised more than $200,00 for the cancer research centre.

“We rode 520km from Echuca to Port Fairy as a relay in just over 24 hours,” David said. “I pushed my body to the limit as I thought of a long-time family friend that passed away from cancer and my father in his continuous fight against the disease.

“On the first day I rode 350km from Echuca to Hamilton, and the Sunday morning another 90km from Hamilton to Port Fairy.”

Jimmy’s Allsorts, consisting of 17 riders from various Ballarat businesses, hosted fundraising events with a goal to raise $50,000 for the Fiona Elsey centre.

Having raised $74,939, and after hearing about David and his cycling group’s impressive efforts, Winslow donated $2000 to the team for a total of $76,939.

“Every contribution will help to defeat this terrible disease which has affected the lives of everyone,” David said.