Why I ride - Graham Hales

Graham Hales joined the Cycle of Life Tour in 2019 to honour the memory of a dear friend. His wish to support people facing the end of life and their families motivates him as one of the campaign’s top fundraisers.

“I’ve been invited to participate in other fundraising rides, but I say, ‘Thank you, but Cycle of Life Tour is what I’m going to do now for the rest of my life, because the care that hospice provides helps everyone.’ While my team and I were fundraising for the 2019 tour, and on the tour itself, we were able to tell so many people about hospice and what end-of-life care is about. Many people didn’t know about all the important services hospice provides,” Graham says.

He brought that dedication to a one-day spin-a-thon at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre in June 2019, where he taught spin classes in pre-pandemic times. He raised more than $1,200 by cycling 250 kms in 13.5 hours.

When Graham lost a friend to ALS in 2018, he was moved by what the experience of serious illness was like for her, and for her family. That compassion keeps him going during the hours he spends out on the road training.

“When I’m on the road, sometimes I think about how hungry I am and how much I’m hurting. But any pain I might feel doesn’t even compare with what my friend and her family went through – what all the families go through,” Graham says. “If I can do something to give the families a little something extra, something special – I will.”

Graham plans to ride 200 km in one day for this year’s Cycle of Life Tour. Read more about Graham’s training and fundraising in the Goldstream News Gazette.

Graham’s goal is to raise $8,000 this year. He says, “I know that this last year has been very challenging, both emotionally and financially for many of us. I am respectfully asking that if you are able, please consider supporting my ride for the Victoria Hospice Society. Thanks to all of you that have supported me in previous years. Together, we have raised almost $10,000. Please consider sponsoring me and my team ‘Breaking Wind’.”

Visit Graham’s fundraising page for more information and to donate.