IF THERE is one thing Geoff Coombes wants in life, it’s to ensure his children and their grandchildren never have to suffer the perils and devastation of cancer.
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Mr Coombes was this year’s Leeton Australia Day ambassador telling residents all about why he started and developed the Tour de Cure, which raises millions of dollars each year to help stamp out cancer.
Some residents may be familiar with the annual ride thanks to television personalities Mark Beretta and James Tobin.
“For me I want my kids not to have to worry about cancer … I’ve got three little ones and I would love them to not have to think that ‘nanny and pop and even mum and dad, or others, are going to have to deal with cancer’,” he said.
“I'm incredibly committed to raising as much money as I can (to find a cure) and I know that the team I have behind me and the generous community spirit we are afforded … is the sort of thing that’s going to see us get there.
“I think if I can share one thing with you, it’s to make sure you go to the doctors and you get a check up.
“Early detection for any form of cancer is vital.”
Mr Coombes was due to be joined by fellow Tour de Cure founding member Samantha Hollier-James, but she was forced to withdraw from travelling to Leeton at the last minute after a family emergency.
The pair have been instrumental in the tour’s success, which in its first year raised around $450,000.
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Last year it raised $2.5 million and is expected to do even better in 2019. Mr Coombes said he continued to be overwhelmed by the support of Australians.
“On a day that we are celebrating what Australia is great for and why we are all very privileged to live in this amazing country, is that it’s a day to recognise we have the choice and we have the opportunities,” he said.
“You only have to turn on the news to see that we are incredibly lucky with the country that we have and its people who continue to invest in others.”
Mr Coombes and his wife spent several days in Leeton shire, learning about the town and its history, with mayor Paul Maytom also taking them on a personal tour.
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