Gladstone Locals Rallies Behind Ride for Rare Ovarian Cancer Research 

Fifteen determined riders will soon embark on a journey from Gladstone to Brisbane, cycling more than 600 kilometres over five days to raise funds and awareness for Rare Ovarian Cancer research. While the distance is impressive, the purpose behind the Ride for Research is even more powerful. For local Sandra and Reg Pugh, the cause is deeply personal. Speaking recently to the Port Curtis Rotary Club, Sandra shared a moving story that highlighted both the life changing impact of cancer research and the urgent need for further advances in ovarian cancer treatment. 

Twenty years ago, Reg was diagnosed with prostate cancer. At the time, treatment options were far more limited. Thanks to decades of research, treatment pathways have evolved significantly, allowing doctors to better monitor patients and tailor care to individual needs. Today, prostate cancer survival rates sit at almost 99 per cent. Their experience with ovarian cancer tells a different story. After witnessing the journey of a close friend diagnosed with the disease, Sandra and Reg became acutely aware of the challenges women continue to face. There is currently no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer, symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked, and survival rates remain below 50 per cent.