Al Siraat College has thrown its support behind an online cycling challenge that aims to raise money for research into childhood cancers.
The Epping school, led by staff member Tanja Kubitza, is taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge throughout October.
The annual event asks participants to choose how many kilometres they want to ride and then ask their friends to sponsor them.
Since the Great Cycle Challenge started in 2013, over 79,000 riders have raised more than $27 million for the cancer research done in the labs of Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI).
This year is the ninth time Ms Kubitza has signed up for the challenge. She has raised $38,000 over the years with the support of the school community.
Ms Kubitza said being away from school during lockdown had been difficult, but she was still able to organise an online event to raise awareness of the challenge and share the story of one of its ambassadors, Lilli, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Al Siraat pupils created artworks to send to Lilli.
Ms Kubitza hopes the school community will get behind her fundraising.
“Everyone is doing it tough during COVID, so we’ll see how it goes,’’ she said.
“Reading the stories about the children who are Great Cycle Challenge ambassadors is great motivation for us all.
“While we are all struggling in lockdown it is nothing like what children with cancer go through, being isolated all the time. I think it is important we put ourselves in their shoes.’’
Details: greatcyclechallenge.com.au/
