The nursing student began raising money for cancer at the start of the year, before she was struck down by the disease three weeks ago.

Emma, 24, was not deterred by the diagnosis and decided to delay her chemotherapy treatment so she could keep up with her nursing placement.

She also decided to go ahead with the Ride to Conquer Cancer and continue her fund-raising, having already raised $54,000 for cancer research.

Ahead of the ride, Emma was awarded the inaugural La Trobe University Infinity Inspiration award

La Trobe award co-ordinator Abhi Awasthi said Emma was an “incredible role model”.

“It’s amazing and inspirational she has managed to raise so much money over the year,” he said.” 

“It was heartbreaking seeing her get that diagnosis but she is just an amazing person. 

“Already she has raised $18,000 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer alone, going towards the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.”

Bendigo’s Team Agility are also gearing up for today’s Ride to Conquer Cancer.

The cycling enthusiasts will don their lycra for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre fund-raiser.

The team has spent the past few months tin-rattling and has raised about $22,000 thanks to the generous support of the Bendigo community.

“We each had to raise $2500 to enter and then we did things as a team, too,” Team Agility member Michelle Francis said.

“We had a breakfast with (former AFL player/coach) David Parkin speaking, our auction was cancelled, but we had two movie nights, two sausage sizzles and a chocolate drive.

“Our fund-raising exceeded expectations. 

“Our target was $17,500 so we’re really happy and we just wanted to let the community know where we were at and to thank people for their support.”

To find out more about the Ride to Conquer Cancer visit www.conquercancer.org.au