The team made up of Lifecycle committee chairman Mark Blake and a core of Canberra locals supporting the fight against Leukaemia had just ridden a loop of southern New South Wales in just nine days, stopping at Goulburn, Braidwood, Batemans Bay, Bega, Cooma and arriving home via Queanbeyan on Wednesday afternoon.

It’s all to raise funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation, and particularly this year’s Lifecycle fundraiser, to be held by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin on November 8 and 9.

Lifecycle’s Mark Blake said funds raised would go to building dedicated respite accommodation for blood cancer patients and their families while they undergo treatment.

“It has been a locally-based event to raise money for a new respite and leukaemia support services centre in Canberra,” Mr Blake said.

“At the moment there’s only very modest [accommodation] arrangements using a privately-leased house. So if someone contracts a blood cancer, they can stay in this new facility while they’re undergoing treatment at the Canberra Hospital.”

Queanbeyan mayor Tim Overall joined the riders for the last run into Queanbeyan and a barbecue at Queanbeyan Town Park afterwards.

“I tell you, it was pretty tough coming down that hill,” he joked.

“But it was a special feeling for me. I could sense the camaraderie of this group. What you’ve done over the last 900km and nine days is amazing.”

Lifecycle is a community cycling event, held annually within Canberra. The event encourages riders of all levels to enjoy a leisurely cycle, while raising funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation.

*To find out more about Lifecycle, or to donate, visit www.life-cycle.org.au.