Bright and early: El Voss, Liahna Warren, Alexandra Chapeikin, Kai Low, Lucinda Trevaskis, Tim Hodge, Shannon O’Shea, Prasad Nimma, Alysha Black, Dean Symington and Morgan Wolpers at Optus Stadium, ready to ride 200km for Cancer Research. Not pictured: Brook McGowan, Rob Debenham, Ryan Dunham, Ryan Tucker and Trevor Wong.

Cycling 200km in two days sounds like a daunting task, but it’s nowhere near as challenging as facing a cancer diagnosis. “A little bit of sweat and pain is nothing compared to receiving that news,” said Morgan Wolpers. The Interior Designer captained a team of 16 courageous Hames Sharley employees who laced up their shoes and donned their jerseys to face the MACA Cancer 200 Ride last weekend.

“I have always wanted to get involved in the event and starting the HS team was the push to do it. I personally have loved ones who have been affected and are currently affected by cancer – I feel everyone can relate.”

The MACA Cancer 200 Ride is an annual fundraising event that supports cancer research at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Hames Sharley has been closely involved with Perkins for over ten years, having designed both their North campus at QEII Medical Centre and their South campus at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Presently the multi-disciplinary design practice is engaged to design the WA Comprehensive Cancer Centre to be built alongside the Perkins’ QEII building, combining medical research and clinical trials with cancer support facilities to revolutionise the treatment and care of Western Australians living with cancer.

Hames Sharley’s participation in the MACA Cancer 200 Ride is emblematic of the practice’s support of the work the researchers are doing to improve the lives and survival outcomes of Australians facing cancer.

Hames Sharley Associate Ryan Dunham has participated in the ride every year since its inception over ten years ago, for him the cause is incredibly personal.

“Some 11+ years ago I was diagnosed with Grade 3A Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma and I underwent treatment through research. Upon being placed in remission I was keen to get back into cycling, and I also wanted to fundraise for a cancer research organisation so that other Western Australians like me could also benefit from potential future treatments. The MACA Cancer 200 event ticked both boxes.”

This year an untimely wrist injury prevented Ryan from taking part in the event, however he continues to champion the important cause. “I always said that I would keep doing the MACA Cancer 200 till I personally raised $60,000 dollars (the estimated cost of my initial cancer research treatment). But as the years progressed, I really got hooked into cycling but more importantly trying to raise as many funds as possible so that hopefully one day my specific cancer has a cure.”

The skill level within the team varied from seasoned cyclists to casual riders, but all undertook a training regimen over the last few months in order to prepare for the big day. This involved multiple group training rides along the coast and river fueled by an abundance of morning coffees. Many of the team members also opted to cycle to work at Hames Sharley’s Perth Studio more frequently in the lead up to the event. “Our EOT facilities have never been so full!” Morgan recalled.

The ride began on Saturday 15th October at Optus Stadium before taking an inland route south to Mandurah, and returning back to Perth along the coast the following day to complete the 200km circuit. Some of the adventurous riders even opted to take the alternative challenge route that added 25km of hilly terrain to the southbound leg, and were rewarded for their efforts with stunning views of Serpentine National Park.

Hames Sharley’s goal of raising $40k was exceeded, the final tally coming to $49,147. This amazing result couldn’t have been achieved without the contribution of wonderful clients, friends and family members.

Hames Sharley extends a special thank you to primary sponsors; ADCO, Autex Acoustics, Unios and Pritchard Francis, and secondary sponsors; Reece, Living Edge and Quest.

As a whole, the event raised $8.5 million for cancer researchers at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. “The money raised through this event helps make a small dent in fighting the disease.”

The team is already looking forward to participating in the 2023 ride, and are sure to encourage people of any skill level to join the cause next year. “You do not have to be the fastest, it’s just about giving it your best and having a go. You just have to get on the bike!”