Lachlan Ninness was just 21 years old when he received the shocking news that he had an aggressive form of life-threatening cancer.
Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia – a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow – Mr Ninness, from Kangaroo Point, said his life turned upside down in an instant.
“Many of the things I had taken for granted were taken away from me,” Mr Ninness, now 24, said.
“One of those things was cycling, which I was no longer able to do.”
However, now in remission, Mr Ninness is shifting gears to take part in the upcoming (13 October) and is encouraging Queenslanders to dig deep and donate to a good cause.
“After having seven rounds of chemotherapy, one relapse and a bone marrow transplant, I’m thankfully on the other side of it all,” Mr Ninness said.
“I am lucky to be alive and l am grateful to be back to normal.
“I can now help raise money for other people who are suffering from the effects of cancer, so they too can get back to life and do what makes them happy each day, like riding does for me and many others.”
Mr Ninness said his diagnosis came out of the blue. He was fit and active, riding around 350km a week.
“I noticed some bruising on my toes and thought maybe I should change my shoes or maybe I was just overtraining,” he said.
“I was feeling a bit tired but I thought ‘it’ll be fine’. Thanks to my partner India, she pushed me to see a doctor who ran lots of tests.
“Initially they thought I had glandular fever, but after having more tests I received a phone call to say I had cancer and to get to an emergency hospital immediately.”
In hospital for about six months, Mr Ninness said he never gave up hope.
“I participated in a lot of clinical trials and a variety of treatments options were made available to me,” he said.
“It’s so important to have funding for research to develop new cancer treatments and processes.”
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas applauded the 5,000 cyclists set to conquer the 100km course from South Brisbane to the Gold Coast’s Broadwater. Shorter distances of 60km and 40km are also available.
“Thousands of riders will come together to help fund life-saving cancer research and services at Mater,” Mr Thomas said.
“Former Olympic cyclists will take part alongside amateur riders, cancer survivors and cancer researchers – all united by the shared mission to fight cancer.”
Mr Thomas said Mr Ninness’ leukaemia fight was nothing short of inspirational.
“Lachlan has fought not only for himself but has continued to fight for others going through a cancer diagnosis,” Mr Thomas said.
“His strength, and determination is admirable.”
To donate, visit Lachlan’s fundraising page .
