Over the past 10 years, the annual Rise Above Convoy for Cancer Families sees hundreds of trucks and motorbikes take to the region’s roads, raising much needed funds for local cancer battlers.

This year, the event was scheduled to run on 13 Feburary, but has been postponed due to the nationwide spike in COVID-19 cases.

Rise Above Capital Region Cancer Relief chair, Di Hodge, said, “Each year we look forward to connecting with the hundreds of families and community members impacted by cancer in our region at the convoy event”.

“The health and safety of cancer patients and their families is our highest priority. Given the uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant and the higher risk of infection COVID-19 poses to our immunocompromised patients, holding the event in Feburary is simply too risky.”

The trucks and motorbikes usually journey from Beard Industrial Estate outside of Queanbeyan to Exhibition Park in Canberra where the Convoy wraps up with a live concert and family fun day.

Local businesses and both the Canberra and Queanbeyan trucking and motorcycle communities have avidly supported the Convoy since its first days, and have helped raise funds to support over 900 cancer patients throughout the region.

Ms Hodge said they’re still hoping to hold the Convoy as it is a major fundraiser for the organisation.

“We will be looking at holding an alternative fundraiser if we can’t host the event as it’s normally held, but it’s a major fundraiser for us. We will be able to continue to help patients without hosting the Convoy, but not to the extent that we would like to,” she said.

“If people want to support our organisation despite postponing the Convoy, you can make donations on our website.”

To support, get involved or learn about the Rise Above Convoy, visit @riseabovecancerconvoy on Facebook.

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