MORE than a dozen cyclists have pedalled their way to Bendigo, raising awareness of ovarian cancer as they go.
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Participants in the Silver Lining Ride have already completed roughly 1000 kilometres of their journey, which started in Adelaide on November 15.
They have another 250-odd kilometres of cycling to go to reach their destination - Melbourne.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation fundraiser started in 2017 in tribute to loved ones lost.
Co-founder Georgie Herbert's mother, Mandy, battled ovarian cancer for more than 11 years. She died early in 2017, within weeks of fellow ovarian cancer fighter Helen Hatzis.
The two friends were part of the inspiration for the ride, which has raised more than $200,000 for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation projects throughout the years.
"We went kind of looking for a silver lining," Georgie said.
Nine Bendigo women cyclists accompanied the Silver Lining Ride participants into Bendigo, and nine are expected to join them on the trip today to Daylesford.
"I know that we'll go over $100,000," Georgie said of this year's fundraising tally.
The riders aim to raise $150,000.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is among the initiative's supporters, kicking off this year's fundraising with a $10,000 donation and boosting the tally with sales of Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation merchandise.
Rural Bank's Alexandra Gartmann is among the local contingent of riders.
"With Ovarian Cancer having the lowest survival rate of any women's cancer, it was an easy decision to extend our support to the Silver Lining Ride," Bendigo Bank regional manager, Tamie Haley said.
"The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation conducts vital research that brings us another step closer to finding an early diagnosis for this unforgiving cancer."
Ovarian cancer has the lowest survival rate of any women's cancer, with a five-year survival rate of 45 per cent.
An estimated 1600 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.
Three-quarters of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed at an advanced state when the cancer has spread.
For more information about the ride or to donate, visit: ocrf.com.au/page/119/silver-lining-ride
Donations can also be made via the Bendigo Joyriders by visiting: ocrf.com.au/my-fundraising/donate/142/bendigo-joyriders
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