GREG Leitch got on a bicycle for the first time last year and had no idea it would change his life.
The Seabrook resident is taking part in this year’s Sydney and Melbourne Rides to Conquer Cancer held in October.
Mr Leitch and his wife joined the cause in Melbourne last year to support Mrs Leitch’s father-in-law who was undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a rare strain of melanoma.
“We thought the least we could do is raise money to put back into the hospital,” Mr Leitch said.
From there his passion for the cause grew and so did his inspiration to get fit.
This time last year Mr Leitch weighed 150 kilos, and has since lost 42 kilos which he thanks in-part to his new found love of cycling.
“Cycling was a massive part of my exercise regime. Being so big it was hard to run. Cycling was no impact and got me out there. You’re able to get on the bike, it helped me a lot,” he said.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer involves two days of pedal power riding 200 kilometres through picturesque landscapes.
The Melbourne event funds life-saving cancer research at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne.
“If there’s a little pain I suffer from sitting on a bike for six to eight hours riding 100 kilometres its nothing compared to the battle these people are going through.”
Mr Leitch is also part of a cycling group called the ‘Vision Crusaders’ who are looking for large corporate sponsorship to allow them to participate in all six conquer cancer rides this year around Australia.
Any business donating $500 will have their logo placed on the team jersey for the rides. To donate contact gleitch@pacbrands.com.au.
