Camana Bay was awash with pink as more than 300 people took part in the fifth annual 24-hour Ryde-A-thon in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation, raising more than $170,000, a record-breaking year for the annual fundraiser.
Organised by HLB Berman Fisher and Ryde Cayman, teams of between four and eight members were pushed to their limits by cycling, running, or walking around the Ryde studio in Camana Bay for 24 hours straight.
According to co-organiser Maya Lewis, the event saw a crescendo as “over 40 ‘Zwifties’ completed a full day of cycling on stationary bikes in a virtual Zwift world while breast cancer survivor Claire Loebell and spinning enthusiast Ruth Gilbey both cycled for 24 hours straight.”
Chief administrator at the Breast Cancer Foundation, Beverly Edgington, told the Compass she was pleased to join efforts with the Ryde-A-Thon team to raise funds as the foundation celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
“Unfortunately, the numbers of people being diagnosed with breast cancer is rising annually; however, as early detection saves lives, these funds will be the bedrock of our campaign. Our goal is to ensure that every person that needs and requires a mammogram has the ability to receive one,” she said.
Edgington added, “We are one step closer to achieving our goal of ensuring that no woman goes without a mammogram. Early detection saves lives, so, simply put, this money is life saving and life changing.”
Among the participants this year were Danielle Coleman and her husband Darren Trickett.
Coleman told the Compass, “It was really great to take part in this year’s Ryde-A-Thon for such an amazing cause, the Breast Cancer Foundation. The camaraderie was awesome. It was a brilliant cause, a brilliant 24 hours, and lots of fun.
The Ryde-A-Thon has raised more than $600,000 for local charities since it launched its annual 24-hour challenge, which was inspired by Lewis’s son Leo, who passed away in 2019 at just a week old, due to a rare genetic disorder called nonketotic hyperglycinemia, or NKH.
“Leo’s Legacy was set up to help those in the community who need it most,” Lewis said. “When Leo died, we decided to turn our grief into a positive to honour his short life, so it’s amazing that year after year this event keeps smashing its fundraising target.”
She added, “We raised $66,000 in the first year and that was amazing enough, and here we are five years later having raised $175,000 in just over 24 hours. I think it’s down to the fact that this event is fun and it’s a team effort – participants draw on the energy of those around them and inspire each other. It’s amazing to be a part of.”
Organisers confirm they haven’t closed donations yet, so the amount raised this year could increase. For more information or to donate, visit the rydeathon.com.
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