Community | 06 September, 2022

Dentist’s Cycle for Cancer

As an avid cycler, Dr Mark Cull, lead dentist at Channon Lawrence Dental is switching his scrubs for lycra to take part in Suncorp’s ‘Spirit to Cure’ 2022 fundraising bike ride.

Over three adventurous days from the 11th-13th of September Dr Mark will be cycling 360 kilometers from Noosa to Brisbane (via Ipswich) with Team Gympie.

Mark is no stranger to charity rides, having completed his first in honour of his wife Mary shortly after graduating from university in 1989.

“I was working in Charleville while my now wife, Mary was nursing there. She had entered the nurse of the year quest and asked if we could complete a cycle ride to raise money for her fundraising.”

“My mates and I were stoked to have raised $2000 by riding from Charleville to Morven, Morven to Augathella and back to Charleville. We rode close to 100km each day with no helmets! $2000 was a lot of money back then, especially for small country towns. It was after this experience that I was inspired to take up cycling and triathlons."

Dr Mark Cull | Lead Dentist Channon Lawrence Gympie | Charity bike ride

In 2021, the CFO of Suncorp, Erin Strang recognised Dr Marks passion and dedication to cycling and invited him to ride in the ‘Spirit to Cure’ ride to raise money for cancer research, support, and prevention. Although the ride has proven to be tough, Dr Mark knew this was the perfect way to give back to his community!

“I think cancer touches a lot of people and a lot of families. Although there is a lot of fundraising events, this just touches us personally."

“Last year on the Spirit to Cure ride, I heard some very emotional stories around cancer and it was inspirational to be riding with those people, while raising awareness in the towns & schools we visited. So, I am committed to the ride again this year.”

Dr Mark Cull | Lead Dentist Channon Lawrence Gympie Spirit To Cure Ride 2021

Mary, Dr Mark’s wife, experienced her own cancer journey in 2011. Thankfully, she made it through treatment with a happy ending that was well supported by the Cancer Council of Australia the entire way.

Over the past year, Dr Mark has remained committed to training five days a week, completing 200-300kms in total. “It feels good to give a bit back and the camaraderie beforehand is great getting to know the group.” Says Dr Mark Cull.

Spirit To Cure Team Gympie 2021

“We are using virtual indoor trainers so all those in lockdown are on a group ‘Zwift’ ride. This is like zoom for cyclists, a virtual training platform where we organise meet ups and have a program to talk to each other.”

“They are coming up with cancer breakthroughs all the time but only through Australians being so generous.”

“I think Covid has reset people's thoughts. Everyone has gone back to basics. That's where people are realising life is short and doing their bit for the community.“

There will be approximately 100 riders of all levels participating in the Spirit to Cure, divided into four groups. As an experienced cycler, Dr Mark will ride in a high-level squad and will be challenging himself to ride 140km’s a day.

Mark and Mary aim to raise $2,500 for the Gympie team. If you’d like to support vital cancer research projects and help change the lives of cancer patients and their families, you can donate here.