In the past 10 months Andy Steele has survived cancer, two heart attacks, pneumonia and COVID-19 – but nothing can keep this 70-year-old off his racing bike.
The unstoppable senior is determined to thank the Mater health workers who saved his life by joining 5000 other cyclists on the 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer later this month.
Andy, from Holland Park, was a keen ultra-marathon runner and cyclist – renowned among his cycling mates for his loud lycra – before being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma last year.
Andy said his health battles began with a sore knee and a physiotherapy appointment.
“I went to see a physio for my knee and got a MRI referral, but before I actually had the MRI I suffered two silent heart attacks while I was out running, so it transpired I’d need a stent fitted,” Mr Steele said.
“I underwent heart surgery and when I was back on my feet I eventually went for my MRI. “I was sent to my GP for the results.
He said ‘It’s not looking good’ and I said ‘Yeah, it’s not comfortable’ and he said ‘No, it’s actually cancer in the bone that’s metastasised’ – I was just blown out of the water.
“The cancer was detected in the ends of the bones where they meet the knees and the elbows – but I was lucky we got it very early.
” The husband and father-of-four started a gruelling six-month chemotherapy course on December 22. “I’ve done marathons, ultramarathons and fundraising cycles, but they were easy compared to chemo – it was horrendous,” he said.
“Coming from being a very fit and healthy person, in 10 months I was completely smashed.” In a further hit to his health and fitness, the retired quantity surveyor was hospitalised again in May, just before his final round of chemotherapy.
“I had a chest infection, which became pneumonia, and I had COVID at the same time, so I spent six days at Mater pretty sick – I had IV drips and two blood transfusions,” Mr Steele said.
“It’s taken me close on three months to get to the point I can ride again, and it wasn’t until three weeks ago I jumped back on the bike and decided I could do the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer.
“I did three rides up to Mount Gravatt lookout last week, so I’m ready to roll for 100km!”
For the first time in its history, the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer – to be held on Sunday August 27 – will raise money for Mater Foundation to fund life-saving cancer research and treatments.
Andy received his life-saving treatment at Mater Private Hospital Brisbane and the adjoining Icon Cancer Care Centre.
“I’m passionate about fundraising – I’ve raised money for projects in Africa, America, here at home – but this event is very close to my heart obviously,” said Andy, who reconditions abandoned bicycles for the Salvos’ in his spare time.
“When you see how the treatment keeps people alive, keeps them going, you realise how important it is to raise funds for more research and better outcomes for cancer patients.”
The super-fit senior is already planning his next sporting challenge – taking part in the 2024 London Marathon.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer has received tremendous support from the community and is now sold out, with 5000 cyclists registered to take part.
“After being expertly managed by Bicycle Queensland for over two decades, it’s wonderful to bring the ride back this year,” Mr Thomas said.
“We have been overwhelmed with support from Brisbane’s cycling community, but Queenslanders can still get involved by donating to this wonderful cause.
“More than $300,000 has already been raised – an incredible contribution towards funding world-class cancer research and patient care initiatives at Mater.”
The Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer offers three courses: 100km Brisbane to Gold Coast classic, 60km from Logan to the Gold Coast, or 40km from Brisbane to Logan.
The 100km ride will start at South Bank between 5.45am and 6.15am on August 27. Riders will turn immediately into the Busway off Melbourne Street for a traffic-free VIP ride out of Brisbane.
The Finishers’ Village will be located at Fisherman’s Lawn, Southport.
