BENDIGO resident Ben McDermid will be racing to give back this weekend.
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The father-of-two is set to compete in his 13th ironman event in Melbourne on Sunday, with the Tour de Cure one of the race's partnering charities.
The charity promotes awareness of cancer through cycling tours and raises money for research, support and prevention projects.
Two years ago, Mr McDermid's wife Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She has since finished treatment.
"We've been very lucky with the support we have received both from the medical side as well as our friends and family. This was an opportunity for me to give something back," he said.
"It's been challenging for us as a family but in some ways has also brought us closer together. Cancer doesn't have any sort of prerequisites on who it chooses - it doesn't discriminate. It picks anyone and everyone."
Cancer doesn't have any sort of prerequisites on who it chooses - it doesn't discriminate. It picks anyone and everyone.
- Ben McDermid
Brewhouse Coffee Roaster put on a morning tea for Mr McDermid on Tuesday. For every hot drink sold between 9am and 11am, the business donated $1 to the cause.
Mr McDermid said his goal was to raise about $2000 for the Tour de Cure before Sunday's event.
"They support cancer research, they also support cancer support project and prevention projects," he said.
"Breast cancer in one way is very well publicised. In some ways breast cancer is one of the best cancers you could get diagnosed with because of the support circles. There are a lot of cancers that don't have anywhere near as much support infrastructure.
"From that point of view, support from the systems in place has been fantastic."
Sunday's event consists of a 3.8 kilometre swim, 180 kilometre bike ride and 42.2 kilometre run.
"I have been doing triathlons since about 1995 and longer course races since 2004," Mr McDermid said.
"I am very lucky to have a supportive wife and kids who seem to understand but I do try to fit my training in around family life and work."
To donate, search Tour de Cure Ben McDermid online.
The Tour de Cure partnered with Ironman Melbourne in 2013 and has raised $342,000 over the three years.
This year the charity partner has about 150 athletes competing in the event.