• Tony Miosich—raising cash for cancer by riding to Pinjarra and back.

FORMER Fremantle councillor Tony Miosich may have never donned lycra nor worn cleats before but that won’t stop him riding 200km to raise money for cancer research.

The Samson local is taking part in the two-day Ride to Conquer Cancer benefit between Perth and Pinjarra on October 19-20, because his brother Graeme died from non-Hodgkins lymphoma at 14 and his dad Mick from lung cancer in 1989.

“I’ve been affected personally with my brother and father but the disease is encroaching into the wider community,” Mr Miosich says. “Incredibly, one in two people will be touched by cancer. That is ridiculous.

“Graeme dying was hard, but watching him suffer was harder.

“Both deaths were horrific and exceptionally hard on mum and the family.”

Before the 52-year-old can take part in the race he must raise $2500 which goes towards the WA Institute for Medical Research.

In the meantime Mr Miosich is hitting the gym and clocking up some serious hours on the bike in preparation.

“I’m training every day and I did 80km on the bike last Sunday, which is still a few away from the 200,” he says. “I’m really determined to ride the distance and with the inspiration behind me, I think I can do it.”

To donate click onto http://www.conquercancer.org.au/Perth and navigate to Mr Miosich’s personal page. Or email him at anthony.miosich@icloud.com.

by BRENDAN FOSTER