RELATED: Cycling to beat cancer
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The crowd of friends, family and supporters cheered as Paul Dalton neared the finish line after 24-hours of cycling.
But it was his sister, Janette Dyall, whose reaction he sought first as he completed his awe-inspiring fundraiser for the McGrath Foundation.
Her resilience and bravery after being diagnosed with breast cancer inspired his ride and kept him motivated throughout the gruelling challenge.
Paul asked that she meet him at the finish line, at Tom Flood Sports Centre, when he crossed it for the final time at 10am on Saturday.
Paul said he found two periods during his ride, which started at 10am on Friday, particularly challenging.
He struggled from 6pm – 7pm on Friday, and said he thought it was going to be “lights out” about 6am on Saturday.
But, with regular medical checks and abundant support offered throughout the event, he said he felt pretty good.
“The amount of riders that came out… was just amazing,” Paul said.
He said he was seldom alone during those 24-hours lapping the outdoor velodrome.
About 9.15am, family members got on their bikes and joined Paul for 15 minutes.
Janette said she became overwhelmed by emotion about an hour from the ride’s end.
“It’s just amazing. I can’t believe he’s done it,” she said.
“He’s just a legend. I’m so, so proud of him.”
She had been concerned for her brother and called for him reduce the number of hours he’d be on the bike right up until the start of the event. But he was determined to achieve his goal.
Fellow cyclists expressed admiration for Paul’s endurance – both mental and physical.
Asked what had been on his mind as he pedalled around and around, Paul said: “Just about all the people.”
Though the final figure has yet to be tallied, the event was believed to have raised between $35,000 and $40,000 to help fund additional McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses.
Paul was initially hoping to raise $10,000.
Ride 24 has also raised about $5000 for the Bendigo Health Foundation, to be donated to the oncology unit.
Paul and his family thanked all those involved for their support.
His online fundraising page can be found here.