SIXTEEN New England Mutual staff members are participating in this year’s Tour de Rocks from 24 to 26 April to raise money for cancer research.
The three-day event attracts cyclists and support crews from across the region and last year raised $257,479 – of that $106,000 went to cancer research and $150,000 was distributed to organisations in regional areas to fund cancer-related programs.
This year, Channel 7 Sunrise presenters Mark Baretta and James Tobin will join and cover parts of the three-day marathon.
This is the fourth year New England Mutual has fielded a team and so far they have raised $14,000 and provided in-kind support for the annual 240km tour from Armidale to South West Rocks.
The 16 staff – 13 cycling and three support crew, from Armidale, Guyra, Inverell and Quirindi – have been either training or working behind the scenes to help organise the event for some weeks.
“Cycling has become a passion for many members of our staff,” chief executive Kevin Dupe said.
“They train regularly and also participate in charity rides for good causes.
“The Tour de Rocks has a special place in our hearts because it generates so much good will from the community and such involvement, not only from the riders but the support crews and organisers.
“Beating cancer is a high priority for most of us. Cancer strikes people at any age and is one of the scourges of our time.”
