MICHAEL Malthouse has issued a direct challenge to Ballarat politicians and community leaders to get on their bike. Or walk.
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The homegrown AFL premiership player and coach said Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute was doing great work fighting cancer, right here in Ballarat, but he was floored the institute did so without government support.
He called on Ballarat MP Catherine King, the federal opposition spokeswoman, to set the tone by walking or riding in the Reach4Research Cycle Classic, the institute’s major annual fundraiser on February 18.
Malthouse extends the order to everyone in the region, saying there are no excuses to not getting involved in what was not a race, but a mass show of support.
“Yes, we’ve got great cancer centres like Peter Mac(Callum), and it’s a big, fantastic centre which is great but this is fantastic here and it’s a credit to the people of Ballarat, but at the same time, it’s very disappointing there hasn’t been government assistance,” Malthouse said.
“What we can do though, is take part. There is an event in this for everyone: you can be a serious bike rider, a fast rider, a slow rider, a club rider or out there walking or running. It’s for all ages.”
For Malthouse, a Cycle Classic ambassador, the event is personal.
There is an event in this for everyone...There is absolutely and utterly no excuse to not participate.
- Michael Malthouse
Malthouse’s parents died of cancer in 2007 and 2009, while his wife Nanette was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and is still recovering. He has also lost his beloved brother-in-law and two of his 1980 Richmond premiership teammates to cancer.
“It is vital the best scientists have our support because, mark my words, all of us will be affected in some way by cancer,” Malthouse said.
“...When you’re reading the names attached to apparatus for those who have kindly donated, you realise that help can only last so long.”
Malthouse has set a target for 3000 participants, 1000 more than the festival’s average entries. He said it was a great chance for the region’s sporting teams to get involved.
Ms King issued a reply that she plans to take part in the walk and regularly receives updates from FECRI staff regarding their work.
To register: reach4research.com.au.
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