Last year my family and I tragically lost Nicole due to breast cancer.

Nicole was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. In the following eight years Nicole lived a life full of compassion, expression, support, contribution and belief. But, most of all, she lived a life full of love! She loved life, and she lived each day to its fullest extent. Professionally she was engaged in nursing and counselling and helped people of all walks of life. Personally, she liked to be on the Harley Davidson and ride into the sunset. During the last years of her life she was a successful advocate for the Cancer Council and was able to express herself through colour and visual art.

Throughout these years she received a number of different treatment, in particular chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The last two years these treatments were quite exhausting to her, as side effects became increasingly prevalent. During these last 5 years  the information, support and assistance from BCNA was enormously helpful and positive, not only to Nicole, but also to our children and myself. The support and information felt sometimes like a warm blanket around your shoulder, or like a shoulder to rest on. The information and support was transparent, complete and sincere.

During my ride I will try to visit those places we visited, but also those we intended to visit. However, I will not only ride in remembrance of my wife, but also for all those who have been affected by breast cancer. I will ride to celebrate the lives of those women, their husbands or partners, their children, family and friends. I will ride under the auspice of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and all funds raised will be used to accelerate their already impressive work in assisting women and their families.