Cycling the length of Japan is no easy feat, but one brother is determined to fight Australia’s biggest cancer killer
On 4 July, Peter and three of his mates kitted up to ride the length of Japan to help find a cure for lung cancer. The team set out to ride 3,200km across all four of the main islands, from Cape Sata to Cape Soya, the northern most tip, in 23 days – The Vapor Trail.
As it turns out, Japan is not flat! They will conquer nearly 29,000 metres of vertical climbing on their heavily laden bikes.
At the time of print the team were at day five, and had clocked over 650km into their 23-day journey.
“Early last year, my big sister Carolyn was diagnosed with late stage lung cancer,” Peter said.
“Carolyn is a ‘never smoker’ – she is 56 and has a husband and four beautiful daughters. Although she’s a never smoker, Carolyn deals with the stigma that unfairly associates the disease with smoking.”
Despite being Australia’s biggest cancer killer, lung cancer receives little investment for research, treatment and support, as a result of the stigma.
“Carolyn has a genetic form of lung cancer and she is undergoing treatment, but her options are limited and more research is desperately needed,” Peter said.
As an avid cyclist, Peter and his mates were inspired to take on the Vapor Trail to challenge themselves and raise $20,000 to support lung cancer research.
“Carolyn speaks fluent Japanese, teaches the language and lived in Japan for many years, so the country is close to her heart,” Peter said.
“We want to raise as much money as we can, but to do that, we need the support of our community. We’re just ‘four fat 50-something-year-olds on bikes’ doing our part for people living with lung cancer, who are too often left to feel they got what they deserved.
“Carolyn is a big inspiration to me. I’m very proud of the huge effort she is putting in to helping not only herself but others who are impacted by lung cancer. Her strength is what will be motivating us throughout this cycle. It’s going to be a huge challenge, but Carolyn’s determination will continue to drive the team to reach our goal.”
Without wonderful fundraisers like Peter and Carolyn, Lung Foundation Australia wouldn’t be able to continue to do what we do.
“I have met Carolyn personally and admire her courage and strength. Her brother’s support of Lung Foundation Australia and the awareness he is raising is incredible and we thank them both for their inspiring efforts,” Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said.
For an update on Peter and his mates’ journey, or to make a donation, visit thevaportrail.com.au