Deeragun Branch Manager, Mario Romeo is participating in his seventh Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride to raise funds for Childhood Cancer.
Riding with the 32 member Eagles team, Mario has been taking part in the ride since 2017, and certainly does not shy away from his devotion to the cause. “I average 300 kilometres a week, getting up at 4am most mornings,” said Mario of his training routine in the lead up to the ride.
For many of the participants, they have felt the effects and emotional toil of cancer. “There would not be one of us that has not been touched by cancer, whether that be family, friend or work colleagues,” said Mario, who has witnessed his aunty and cousin bravely fight cancer for numerous years only to lose their battle.
The Eagles team lost their close friend, Michael Mooney, to melanoma, with Michael also participating in the ride for many years prior to his diagnosis. But perhaps the story that inspired Mario to continue participating in the ride was a chance meeting with a man named Brian Byrne, who lost his own son to childhood cancer and endured a tough diagnosis of cancer in his 18-month-old granddaughter.
“I rode with Brian in my first year participating, and his story moved me beyond words. After hearing Brian’s story, I consider it an honour to participate in the ride,” said Mario.
Entering into its 23rd year, the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride has seen over 250 cyclists take part since its inception in 1999, raising a staggering seven million for the Children’s Cancer Institute. Participants are required to raise a minimum of $500, though most aim far higher.
Mario and the Eagles team will depart Townsville bright and early on Thursday, 27 July and will arrive in Cairns at midday on Saturday, 29 July. Mario’s team will be supported and encouraged on route by staff members from Townsville, Innisfail, and Cairns Branches.
If you wish to support Mario on his ride, please donate.