Raising Awareness and Money to Treat Childhood Cancer

Generalist Practitioner (GP), Dr. Paul Coxon, graduated his JCU medical degree in 2006 and currently works in Townsville at the Hermit Park Medical Clinic specializing in Skin Cancer care.

“It’s an event that’s been going for 19 years now. Obviously it’s a bike ride from Townsville to Cairns and its raising money for the Children’s Cancer Institute of Australia (the Institute) who research into childhood cancers. Their goal is 0 deaths from childhood cancer and they have raised over $350, 000.00 dollars this year,” Coxon said.

Both Coxon and Croese said they fundraised predominantly by word of mouth, through family and friends donations and social media.

“It’s a really worthwhile cause I’ve got a couple of young children myself which kind of changes your perspective on things. I suppose you realize how devastating childhood cancer can be and makes it really hit home,” said Paul Coxon.

Both Coxon and Croese are riding in the same cycling team called the Wombats for the 358 kilometre trek.

“We ride in a group called the Wombats for the purposes of this event.  Outside of this ride we are members of the Gentlemanly Cyclists Club the GCC for short. There is four of us in the wombats group from this club and seven of us in total in the ride” said Coxon.

Dr. Alexander Croese has recently finished his general surgical training and is working at the Townsville Hospital but aspires to do a Colorectal Fellowship.

“I think it’s really important to raise money, but it not just about that, it’s about doing these sorts of activities to promote the cause.  Doing so in the form of exercise also sends a really good message.

We rely on these sorts of events to raise that little bit extra to help with clinical trials. Before we started the race one of the Professors from the Institute was talking about this ride and the money it has raised over the years.  This money has made it possible for them to do clinical trials that have made a difference in improving treatments of cancer. Medicine itself is rapidly expanding and we can’t do ongoing clinical research without support and funding.” said Croese

Dr Croese said “The ride is very well organized. I would love to see the event get more exposure and get as many people involved as possible to raise money for this really great cause.”

We wish them luck on the last leg of their ride! Congratulations to Dr Alexander Croese and Dr Paul Coxon for their amazing effort and fundraising achievements.