Team ready to conquer fundraising goals for research

Woodanilling's Garstone family will set the pace as they Ride to Conquer Cancer and raise much-needed funds for cancer research on October 18 and 19.

After Carol Garstone was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago, her son Stuart decided to embark on the fundraising trip.

He was later joined by his brother Brad, father Ian and good friend Lee Bessell-Brown.

Stuart said he was immediately interested when he found out about the fundraiser, and after Ms Garstone's condition worsened last year he wanted to support his family in any way he could.

"It is something I can do to make a difference," he said.

"Mum is very proud of us, and although it is hard for her she always jumps out of bed to help. It has been really tough, but you take every day as it comes, and you do what you have to do."

Team Garstone will travel from Perth, cycling 200km over two days throughout the picturesque Darling Ranges. The group have already raised more than $5000 of their total fundraising goal of $10,500.

"I have been flooded with donations. I sent out an email and we are getting single donations over $50 or $100 dollars. It's been fantastic," Stuart said.

Ian Garstone said the only thing that could be done was research, and so any donations go directly to the Harry Perkins Institute to help find a cure.

"To watch someone go through cancer is a hideous thing to see," Stuart said.

"Many people I have spoken to want to do something but they feel helpless.

"Donating is something they can do. Research might not help us now, but it could help my children or my grandchildren."

Visit http://pr14.conquercancer.org.au/site/PageServer?pagename=pr14_homepage for more information or to donate.