By Alesha Capone
Point Cook father-of-three Jimmy Venegas is aiming to cycle more than 1141 kilometres this month to raise funds for children fighting cancer.
Mr Venegas said he chose this distance because he wanted to ride further than he did last October, which was his first time participating in the Great Cycle Challenge (GCC).
The annual event asks participants to raise money for the Children’s Medical Research Institute, which is working on finding a cure for childhood cancer.
Mr Venegas raised more than $590 for the institute in 2020.
So far this year, he has raised more than $676 of his $800 goal, after completing more than 260 kilometres on his bicycle.
Mr Venegas said that among his friends and family, several people have experienced cancer, including his father-in-law and father, who died around four years ago.
“I know a few people who have been dealing with it, so if I can do something for kids – I thought it must be very hard for children with cancer – that would be great,” he said.
Mr Venegas said he would like encourage other Wyndham residents to get involved in the Great Cycle Challenge.
“Hopefully more people get involved and try to help these kids,” he said.
Mr Venegas said a Facebook group called GCC Friends OZ provided plenty of support and tips for challenge participants.
Apart from helping a good cause and improving his fitness, Mr Venegas said he enjoyed seeing other cyclists and pedestrians out and about at parks and beaches, while riding his bike.
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