Injured Wallaby and ACT Brumbies fullback Julian Huxley has interrupted his recovery from a life-threatening brain tumour to embark on a 300km charity bike ride for Cancer Care Western NSW.
Due to begin chemotherapy yesterday, Huxley postponed the treatment to concentrate on a two-day journey to Orange beginning in Canberra tomorrow.
The 29-year-old said Australia's Olympians had inspired him to do something active for disadvantaged cancer patients from rural areas who struggled to fund their travel to major centres to obtain care.
Huxley said, ''I met a lot of good people [during my treatment] dealing with those external difficulties and they were difficulties I didn't have.
''I had tremendous support from my family. Luckily I'm from a big city where I could go and stay with my folks and focus on getting better, and that was a tremendous help, not to have to worry about anything else.
''But some of these people have siblings and lots of kids and they need every little help they can get to concentrate on getting better.''
Huxley was in career-best form during the Brumbies' round3 Super 14 win over the Queensland Reds when a knock to the head left him convulsing on the field.
Post-match scans revealed a brain tumour.
Surgery removed the tumour and he has since completed radiation therapy.
Yesterday, with most of his hair having grown back, Huxley began the short preparation process on a $1500 bicycle donated to him by Braddon store The Rideshop.
A 10km joy ride on Sunday is all the cycling experience he has had in preparation.
''With what's happened to me, I haven't been able to dedicate myself to much physical activity over the last six months and I'm missing that on a personal level.
''I wasn't too worried that it would hurt and I haven't done too much training, and I'll quite enjoy that and draw from the inspiration of the [Olympic] athletes.
''I can plug away for a few days. I won't be setting any records but I'll get there.''
Canberra's Audi Centre has lent an Audi Q7 to act as a support vehicle.
''I'm working on the premise that it's a bit of mind over matter. I'm sure it'll hurt a little bit but I'm used to that kind of thing. I'd love a 100-man peloton to drag me all the way to Orange.
''Whether that's possible, though, I don't know.
''The number of people who have already been supporting me has really been touching.''
Huxley's two-day ride will pass through Yass, Boorowa and Cowra.
HOW TO DONATE
Donations to Julian Huxley's Cancer Care Western NSW Ride can be made at any Service One Members Banking branch or by internet banking deposit: account name: Huxley Ride of Life; BSB: 801 009; account number: 1210958
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