Dozens of WesTrac cyclists donned yellow and black lycra for Western Australia’s largest cycling fundraiser this weekend, raising more than $211,000 to support life-saving research into treatment and cures for cancer.
Dozens of WesTrac cyclists donned yellow and black lycra for Western Australia’s largest cycling fundraiser this weekend, raising more than $211,000 to support life-saving research into treatment and cures for cancer.
The annual MACA Cancer 200 - Ride for the Perkins kicked off on Saturday, with nearly 2,000 participants cycling 200 kilometres from Perth to Mandurah and back over two days. This event aims to raise crucial funds for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
WesTrac has been a long-time sponsor and participant in the fundraising event, with a team of 39 riders hitting the road in 2024 to assist some of Western Australia’s most important researchers.
One of the riders was WesTrac Asset Management Manager Ian Ilsley, who decided to participate this year after his brother-in-law was recently diagnosed with cancer.
“I have lost friends and WesTrac colleagues to cancer, but it didn’t really hit me until my brother-in-law was diagnosed, so I decided it was time to do my bit,” Ian says.
“There isn’t a person cancer hasn’t touched, and I thought now is as good a time as any to help support the cause and get around a local event.”
WesTrac General Manager Geoff Bailey was part of the yellow and black pack who reached the finish line at Optus Stadium on Sunday and says the commitment of the group of WesTrac employees to take part in the endurance ride was admirable.
“When the call went out across WesTrac to don some lycra and participate in this remarkable charity ride, we were overwhelmed with the response,” Geoff says.
“Everyone in our team knows a family member, loved one, or friend who has been affected by this deadly disease, and the entire team’s fundraising efforts are a testament to our aim to help unlock the next breakthrough in the fight against cancer.”
Researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research dedicate their time to finding treatments and cures which could save the lives of more than 169,000 Australians who are diagnosed with cancer each year.
The funds raised by the charity ride will help supply the team of scientists at Harry Perkins with a variety of essential equipment and tools including protective clothing and microscope slides.
“To know that we have helped support the life-changing work carried out by researchers at Harry Perkins by simply jumping on a bike and riding a couple hundred kilometres, is a fantastic feeling,” Geoff says.
“This is the sixth year we have put forward a team for the MACA Cancer 200, and we were excited to join 267 other riding teams this year to raise an astounding more than $211,000 – the most WesTrac has ever raised to date."
“I am so proud of the entire WesTrac team, and despite the aches and pains we might have over the next few days, it is entirely worth it to support this incredible cause.”
WesTrac has been supporting the MACA Cancer 200 – Ride for the Perkins since 2011 and has again sponsored the Welcome Back celebrations at the Camfield this year.
WesTrac would like to thank all of the sponsors who helped the peloton of riders cross the finish line, including ARA Fire, ATOM, BreatheSafe, Chubb, ConnectSource, Cooper Fluid Systems, Di Candilo Steel City, Elphinstone, K&S Heavy Haulage, Titan Heavy Lift, OTR Tyres, PWR, Signhere, SVA, and Team Global Express.
To find out more about the MACA Cancer 200 – Ride for the Perkins, or to donate, visit www.cancer200.org.au
Marissa Taddeo
marissa@hellospoke.com.au
0401 019 885
Emily Evans
emily@hellospoke.com.au
0401 337 959
As one of the largest authorised Cat equipment dealers in the world, WesTrac provides customers with a wide range of mining and construction equipment as well as comprehensive whole-of-life management solutions designed to make owning and operating equipment as easy, profitable and safe as possible. With more than 4,500 staff, WesTrac is focused on long-term customer relationships and a dedication to customer service, safety, quality and the environment.
To achieve this, we commit to building better together through collaboration and collective action. Helping customers achieve their own ESG objectives to reduce emissions through product advancements and technology solutions. This shared goal of a sustainable future for all is why we are focused on Responsibility, Advancement, Community, Inclusivity, Development and Solutions, as a means to deliver long-term positive success for the environment, customers, team members, stakeholders and the wider community.
Community development and support is an important part of the WesTrac philosophy, and we are proud to support local activities, events and charities in the regions we are based. As part of SGH Ltd, WesTrac also has strong alliances with other leading Australian businesses, including Seven West Media, Coates and SITECH.
