Gunnedah motorcycle riders support The Long Ride 2017 in Tasmania

The Gunnedah motorcycle enthusiast is preparing for The Long Ride 2017 – a charity ride around Tasmania to raise awareness of prostate cancer and men’s health. 

Joining him roadside will be fellow local riders Tim Brett and Dr Ken Adams.

Mr O’Callaghan is calling for more bikers to join the trek, which starts at each rider’s hometown, takes in a ferry ride aboard the Spirit of Tasmania and major centres on the Apple Isle.

A self-confessed rookie in the charity ride stakes, he is looking forward to the fundraising expedition for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“But it’s about time I did something.”

Like many Australians, his family has been touched by cancer. He thought what better way to help raise awareness and a few dollars, than by combining his love of motorcycles with support of the cause.

Prostate cancer was the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia in 2013, and the second greatest cause of Australian cancer deaths in 2014, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. In 2017, it is estimated that the risk of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer by his 85th birthday will be one in seven.

Mr O’Callaghan has successfully sought $1000 in sponsorship from Gunnedah Shire Council for support of the charity cause. He is also seeking further sponsorship from the local business community.

Councillor Gae Swain spoke in favour of the Long Ride at Wednesday’s council meeting.

"I think that this is an organisation that affects almost every family in our community,” she said.

“I'd like to see it go ahead.”

It was recommended at the council meeting to pay sponsorship directly to PCFA.

The dates for the Long Ride 2017 are October 13-20. Those who would like to support Des and his mates on The Long Ride 2017 or join the touring party, can email des.kerrie8@bigpond.com