Hi Friend

The last week has been a challenging week down this way. Between Lorraine and I, we have lost 3 friends and one family member - taken a bit soon. Two were colleagues of Lorraine's from way back - both succumbing to cancer. I knew them both and argued with one a lot at Cheese and Wine Club lunches. One was a mutual friend also from way back also succumbing to cancer which she hid from her friends and family. The most recent was my brother's wife who fell ill on Monday and died on Sunday with a massive heart failure.

Why bother with such stories? The youngest was 67 and the oldest 82. Every family member would say taken too early.

The Great Cycle Challenge for Kids Cancer is all about finding solutions for kids afflicted with cancer (my friend calls it ice cream as she cannot say the word) way earlier in their journeys.

That is why I support the challenge. And I can tell you with only 72 kms cycled in a 400 km challenge, I am not firing on all cylinders. My head and heart hurts. Been a monster week - as hard as a few I recall. Like the week my niece, Colleen succumbed to breast cancer aged 44. I ride for her. I raise funds in her memory. 44? Too early and with two kids!!

Tomorrow - October 21 - Australia time is another matched donations day - capped at $150k. The last one did not reach the cap and they found some more sponsors to have another round. Donate here