At 72, Chris Garrod still loves nothing more than donning a leather jacket and revving up her classic Yamaha 650 motorcycle. She’s been behind the handlebars since the age of 12, and for the past 20 years has used this passion to power her fund-raising activities for breast cancer.
Chris was a member of the Ulysses club when she first heard out about a ride that was raising money for breast cancer. The group was called Just Girls, and 17 riders turned up for the first event in 2003.
As the Newcastle Pink Ribbon ride grew in stature, Denise joined the organising committee. A subsequent personal battle with the disease only served to fuel this motivation.
“I found a lump and it was discovered that I had a Stage III aggressive cancer. It’s hard to go through all the treatment but there’s a lot of support available – and that’s when I found out exactly what the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation can do for people in the Hunter,” Chris says.
“I’m very passionate about raising money for the Foundation because they help with all the things that are difficult when you’re going through that breast cancer journey.”
This year’s Newcastle Pink Ribbon Ride will be held in October and there are associated fund-raising events – see their Facebook page for details.
“A whole lot of people get together, dress up in pink and look very silly sometimes … all for a wonderful cause,” Chris says. “I’m not sure how long I can continue to ride in it, but I just love being able to give back to the Foundation.”
