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‘Let’s Beat the Bastard’: the ride to Outsmart Cancer

Wayne is a dedicated ACRF supporter who continually goes above and beyond to support cancer research. His annual event, ‘Beat the Bastard’, is a 400km motorbike route that spans north-eastern NSW, this year travelling through Gunnedah, Bendemeer, Walcha, Uralla, and Manilla.  

Like many of us, Wayne has been touched on a personal level. He shares the reason is so passionate about supporting Australian Cancer Research Foundation below.

“Even after losing my sister, brother in-law, and countless close friends and acquaintances, I really didn’t realise how horrible cancer is, mainly because of the distance we lived apart and the fact I didn’t get to see them in their final months.

Then in 2013 my brother Dale was diagnosed with cancer. Over the course of two years, he underwent major surgery, skin graphs and radiation. He never gave up and was determined to beat the bastard.

Over this time, I witnessed just how destructive and devastating cancer can be.

In early September 2016, Dale told me ‘I think the bastard has me this time mate’. Three weeks later we lost him and over the next couple of months, I found myself in a very dark place, alienating myself from my family and friends, sitting for hours in a haze and each day becoming angrier and angrier knowing this bastard had taken my best mate. To help me with my grief and to be honest out of self-pity, I came up with the ‘Let’s Beat the Bastard’ ride. But after the ride started to gain pace, I realised I wasn’t alone, and I most certainly was not the only person in this situation.

I have been absolutely humbled by the response to the ride and have met some extraordinary people, some who are fighting the fight, some who have won the fight and those whose family or friends have lost the fight.

I am so proud to be a part of this event and urge everyone to get involved and help to raise funds so we can finally beat the bastard!”