Mr MATT KEAN (Hornsby) [8.27 p.m.]: Tonight I place on the record the great work a constituent of mine has been doing in raising much-needed funds for cancer research.
On 8 June I participated in a Hornsby Fitness First exercise bike class. The walls did not cave in when I got on the exercise bike. I am still recovering from this sporting achievement, and I think I hurt a hamstring or two. The event raised over $500 for Wheeling for Healing, an awareness campaign that promotes cancer research. The event also sought to support 70-year-old Berowra resident Mr Warrick Try, co-founder of Wheeling for Healing who, after battling various cancers, will cycle approximately 3,000 kilometres across Europe, alongside his 70-year-old friend Mr Max Dodd, also co-founder of Wheeling for Healing.
These two 70-year-old gentlemen have suffered cancer. They met years ago at the Scots College and are reuniting for this great cause to ride across Europe raising much-needed funds for cancer. The event will take place in August 2012 and seeks to raise $50,000 for Tour de Cure, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes cancer research. Recently, on Friday 15 June, Mr Try raised another $3,000 for Wheeling for Healing at a fundraiser he organised at Berowra Tavern. The member for Kiama has spent many a night with me at the Berowra Tavern, as good friends, celebrating one of the finest establishments in my electorate. Mr Try, a member of Hornsby Fitness First, has battled several cancers over the years—lung, prostate, bladder, and eye. In 2009 he sought to transform his health in order to prevent the likelihood of another bout of cancer. He subsequently joined the gym, changed his diet, lost 35 per cent of his bodyweight and for the first time in 12 years was declared cancer free. Additionally, he was a finalist in Fitness First Australia's "new you" awards. I am sure the member for Parramatta is often at Fitness First competing in the "new you" awards.
Mr Try is now a volunteer counsellor for people who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and his journey through Europe will serve to demonstrate that those who suffer from cancer can overcome adversity through a strong mindset and determination. Although his illnesses impacted him both physically and emotionally they did not destroy his desire to succeed in life, nor did they deter him from helping others. That is the important thing about this initiative. Mr Try's quest to cycle approximately 3,000 kilometres across Europe with Mr Dodd is testament to his passion for helping others, as well as his dedication and commitment to overcoming personal hardships. Mr Try and Mr Dodd are doing what others pay lip service to; making a difference in the lives of others. Mr Try is a role model to men and women who suffer from illness. Despite facing countless hardships and challenges, he is determined to assist others who are suffering by raising vital funds for a worthwhile cause.
His fortitude and courage define not only his personal character and attitude; it is emblematic of the values and principles all citizens should enshrine. Mr Try's story should serve also as an inspiration to both this House and to society and not just the member for Parramatta with his weight loss program well under way. Although everyone faces difficulties from time to time, few of us can truly understand the struggles individuals such as Mr Try have endured over the years. Mr Try understands all too well the physical and emotional pain cancer sufferers and their families experience. It is this empathy and understanding that is motivating Mr Try to put his body through significant pain.
His actions and the funds he raises along the way will bring us one step closer to curing cancer. His actions demonstrate also that age is not a barrier to pursuing goals. Just ask the member for Parramatta about that. As long as an individual has the energy and willpower to make something happen it can happen. Mr Try's cycling challenge throughout Europe will bring hope and promise to the lives of many. Further information on Mr Try's cycling adventure throughout Europe can found on www.wheelingforhealing.com. This man is making a difference to the lives of many by raising funds for cancer research. I commend the actions of this individual to the House and ask the House support him in the wonderful work he is doing.
Read the full transcript here.
