Brent Bundy riding from Sydney to Cairns for Cancer Council NSW
Not even coronavirus has stopped an American native cycle the east coast of Australia to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Not even coronavirus has stopped an American native from cycling the east coast of Australia to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Brent Bundy is on the home leg of his marathon return bike ride from Sydney to Cairns to raise money for Cancer Council NSW.
Mr Bundy arrived in Australia last November to cycle the 5000km route in memory of his friend Gina Kondos, who died from breast cancer in 2006.
MORE NEWS>>>
• Townsville council staff allegedly assaulted in Bluewater
• Anthony Douglas James Budby ordered to repay pub after stealing
• Tributes flow for Townsville real estate agent Michele Hyde taken by cancer
He said a popular American movie gave him the idea to cycle.
“It was Forrest Gump. I thought I am not going to run so I thought I would just get a bike,” he said.
After arriving at Airlie Beach in March, Mr Bundy was forced to stay three months to wait out the height of the pandemic.
He continued on his journey, arriving in Townsville in July before making it to Cairns in August.
Mr Bundy arrived back in Townsville last week and will continue on to Sydney next week.
His trip is completely self-funded and has so far cost Mr Bundy $30,000.
The 52-year-old defied doctors’ predictions he would never walk again after he broke his neck in a car accident in 1997.
He has cycled more than 50,000km on his Californian-made Sirrus hybrid bike after riding from Oregon to New York six times for Gina.
Mr Bundy said he would never forget his dear friend.
“Gina is everywhere; she is on my helmet, she gets me up hills and she gives me strength. I couldn’t do it without her,” he said.
So far, Mr Bundy has raised $4000 through his GoFundMe page.
Cancer Council NSW community lead Ben Chinnock said everyone loved following Mr Bundy’s “incredible journey”.
“We are so lucky to have people like Brent who choose to give up their precious time to make a difference for those going through cancer,” he said.
“Brent has been a fantastic fundraiser for us and it has been a thrill following his journey around Australia.”
Originally published as Brent Bundy riding from Sydney to Cairns for Cancer Council NSW