Launceston dad Justin Stevens is in the midst of the Great Cycle Challenge, raising money for research into childhood cancer and in the memory of his late daughter Ariel.
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Justin and his team have raised over $8500 and ridden almost 3000 kilometres so far as part of the challenge.
Tragically, Justin lost his daughter Ariel to brain cancer last year, and the memory of her fuels him in his ambition.
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"We wanted to do something to one, raise awareness and two, raise money," he said.
Justin said throughout Ariel's care, as she battled an aggressive and inoperable brain tumour, there were so many difficulties to face but money should not be one of them.
"After she got sick they put Ariel on a trial and it cost about $25,000 for 60 tablets," he said.
"You do whatever you have to do - you sell the car or sell the house.
"There is so much to worry about as it is ... but when you're worrying about money you can't spend quality time with them."
Most hospitals would not take on the trial due to its cost before Launceston General Hospital went ahead with the process.
It is Justin's hope that by funding research, eventually treatment procedures for childhood brain cancer will become cheaper and more accessible.
The funds raised will be donated to the Children's Medical Research Institute - an institute dedicated to advancing the treatment and prevention of childhood diseases.
Joining Justin on his journey is his brother James, his cousin Lachlan Baggett and friends Lyndon Kettle, Gard Saxon and Stuart McDonnell.
Together the team has completed 112 rides and Justin himself has gone riding on 21 days.
In some of those days he has taken the bike out twice - once on his own and once with 21-month-old daughter Alice.
"She loves going on the rides. She's got her little helmet and a little horn and she'll tell you when she's had enough and she's getting frustrated," Justin said.
"But I've just bought her a bike so maybe she can do some kilometres in the challenge next year," Justin said.
Speaking of next year, Justin said he is keen to keep taking on the October Great Cycle Challenge, not only to raise money for a worthy cause, but in memory of Ariel.
Cancer is the leading cause of death for children in Australia with almost two dying every day from the disease according to the most recent statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
You can donate to Justin's cause at https://greatcyclechallenge.com.au/Teams/ArielStevens.
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