Mark Acheson cycling for father Paddy, who is battling cancer

A Hobart man is undertaking a gruelling journey on his bicycle in honour of his father, who beat terminal cancer this year only for it to come back “twice as hard”.

A Hobart man is undertaking a gruelling journey on his bicycle in honour of his father, who beat terminal cancer this year only for it to come back “twice as hard”.

Paddy Acheson was diagnosed with stage four terminal oesophageal cancer in January in what came as a shock to his family.

The 68-year-old fought hard and was declared cancer free a couple of months ago, though the Burnie resident was dealt a shattering blow just recently when he was told it had returned, spread and was once again terminal.

“Just when we thought we beat it, it came back twice as hard,” son Mark Acheson said.

“It was disbelief, you always have to be on guard.

Daniel, Anne, Paddy, and Mark Acheson with their dogs Millie and Max.

“He’s very sick at the moment. He’s halfway through radiation which is the most nasty thing the body can endure, but it’s there for a reason; to shrink the cancer.”

Mark, 30, has decided to complete a 210km bicycle ride on Sunday to raise money for the Cancer Council of Tasmania.

He said it was the least he could do for his parents and other families impacted by the “dreaded disease”.

“I’m a keen cyclist and always wanted to challenge myself,” he said.

“I thought why not do two things at once and raise much needed funds?

“It’s called Around the Bay in a Day. We start in Melbourne and make our way down to Geelong, cross the ferry and then make our way back up to Melbourne.

“My legs hurt thinking about it.”

Mark Acheson on his bike. Photo: Luke Newhouse/Luvi Photography

Mark and Paddy Acheson.

Mr Acheson said his previous biggest ride was 130km but that “had a lot more elevation”.

“I’m hoping the wind is kind to us,” he said.

The Hobart resident has launched a GoFundMe page called ‘Ride for Paddy’ to collect the donations.

“I’m overwhelmed. To raise nearly $6000 in just a little under a week is phenomenal,” Mark said.

“I’m so grateful to friends, family and even strangers.

“Everyone has been touched by cancer and there’s a lot of people behind me which I’m grateful for.”