Riding throughout New South Wales' scenic countryside in two days. Sure, it sounds like a lot — and it’s meant to be. But make no mistake, this event isn’t just for athletes or cycling enthusiasts.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer is for anyone who wants to challenge themselves for a great cause. All you need is motivation, a bike and a helmet. The money you raise for The Ride will benefit the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA, a world-class cancer treatment and research facility providing integrated care and support services to public and private patients.
Your 2-day cycling adventure begins as you gather with fellow Riders for an inspiring Opening Ceremony, where we’ll remember those lost to cancer and honour those continuing the fight. After an energising sendoff, you’ll Ride out of Sydney with a renewed sense of purpose, as you follow the winding route through some of New South Wales’ most beautiful scenery.
Lining the route every 25-30 kilometres, you’ll find fully stocked Pit Stops with all the snacks and hydration you’ll need to keep going. Day One culminates with arrival at Camp, where you can enjoy a cold beer, a hot shower, and a well-deserved massage before a fun evening of entertainment and socialising.
After camping overnight, Day Two will lead you further through the inspiring landscape, as you make your way towards the Finish Line — a high energy celebration of your epic Ride and the amazing impact you’ve made in the quest to conquer cancer.
The Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer announces $5.7 million raised as inaugural Ride begins in New South Wales.
Largest single fundraising event in Australian history draws 1,623 Riders and helps fund development of The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse at RPA in Sydney.
MEDIA CONTACT Gary D. Turner Communications Director, The Ride To Conquer Cancer Mobile: 0467 808 576 gturner@conquercancer.org.au
October 13, 2012
More than sixteen hundred cyclists are using pedal power in the fight against cancer
EXECUTIVE BIOS
Professor Frank Gannon Director & CEO
Professor Frank Gannon is QIMR's seventh Director and CEO. The Director and CEO is responsible for the research work undertaken by the Institute and management of our employees. Professor Frank Gannon joined QIMR as Director and CEO January 2011.
Previously, Professor Gannon was the Director General at the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) from 2007 until his move to Brisbane.
Before his position at SFI, Professor Gannon was the Executive Director of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) and Senior Scientist at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), based in Germany; and Director of the National Diagnostic Centre and Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at University College Galway, Ireland. He obtained a Bachelor of Science from the National University of Ireland, Galway in 1970, a PhD from the University of Leicester, England in 1973, was a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Madison Wisconsin, USA from 1973 to 1975, and Chargé de Recherche in INSERM at the University of Strasbourg, France from 1975 to 1981, when he moved back to Galway. His major research interest is the expression and functional regulation of the oestrogen receptor which plays a major role in breast cancer and osteoporosis. These studies have provided leads to novel treatments or therapeutic approaches to these and other cancers.
Professor Gannon has authored over 200 research articles published in international journals. In addition, he contributes a monthly editorial to EMBO reports of which he is founding Senior Editor and also writes extensively on diverse topics related to science policy. Professor Gannon has seven patent applications, four of which are active at present and was the founder of both Bimini Ltd. (1990) and Elara Pharmaceuticals (2006). He was a member of the interim Board of Science Foundation Ireland from 2002 to 2004 and was elected as a Member of the Royal Irish Academy in May 2008. He has served on a range of high-level scientific advisory boards at institutes throughout the world and was co-founder of the European Life Sciences Forum (ELSF) and the Initiative for Science Europe (ISE) that played significant roles in the establishment of the European Research Council (ERC).
