Ash Dickson

Why I’m Riding in the Sunshine Ride

This year, I’m riding for love, for loss, and for hope.

My beautiful Nan battled cancer more than once throughout her life. She faced it with incredible strength and resilience, but eventually cancer took her from us. Losing her changed our family forever.

My Dad also faced his own battle with prostate cancer — and I’m so grateful to say he has since beaten it. Watching someone you love go through treatment is something you never forget. The appointments, the waiting, the uncertainty… and then the overwhelming relief when you hear the words that treatment has worked.

Like so many families, cancer has touched our extended family too. It’s not rare. It’s not distant. It’s personal.

That’s why I’m riding in the Sunshine Ride.

I’m riding in honour of my Nan — for the fights she fought with quiet courage.

I’m riding in gratitude for my Dad — and for the medical teams and facilities that made his recovery possible.

And I’m riding because every dollar raised stays local, supporting cancer services, facilities and research right here in our region. Access to world-class care close to home matters more than you realise — until you need it.

The Sunshine Ride isn’t just a bike ride.

It’s remembering those we’ve lost.

It’s celebrating survivors.

It’s supporting those still in the fight.

It’s investing in hope for families like mine.

For Nan.

For Dad.

For every family who has heard the word “cancer.”

And for a future where more battles end in victory