ACTOR Samuel Johnson rode into Katherine on a unicycle on Saturday, as part of a 15,000km journey around Australia to raise $1million for cancer research.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Johnson was inspired to undertake the epic challenge, for the Gavan Institute, called Love Your Sister, after his 36-year-old sister Constance Johnson was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
Known for his role in the hit-television series The Secret Life of Us and the second Underbelly series, the 35-year old actor has so far ridden over 3000km, and raised $150,000.
Mr Johnson and his road support team left Melbourne on February 15th, and arrived in Katherine on route to Darwin, via Adelaide and Alice Springs.
Despite not being used to the heat and humidity of the Top End, he said he rode his single wheeled bike on the 103km trip from Mataranka to Katherine in seven and a half hours, shaving two-hours off what the same distance had normally taken.
He said he travelled between 60km and 140km per day, doing a maximum speed of 30km/h.
Mr Johnson rode to the Katherine Club where he collected donations, and showed adults and children how to ride the unicycle and small trick bikes.
Supported by the Bendigo Bank, Katherine branch customer relationship officer Mikaela Wise said Katherine raised almost $1000 for the charity.
Katherine unicyclist James Wright, 24, jumped about two metres over the laying bodies Mr Johnson and two support team members while riding his unicycle, as part of a dare to help raise more funds from spectators.
Mr Johnson said his sister had left getting diagnosed with breast cancer too late, despite recognising the signs and having a close understanding of the condition.
Ms Johnson, who lives in Canberra and is a mother of two young boys, was diagnosed and survived an aggressive tumor in her leg at the age of 11 years, and later at the age of 23 endured further treatment for a tumor in her womb.
Now on her 26th round of treatment for breast cancer, ten more than most people endure, and with between six months and one year to live, Mr Johnson said his sister’s courage had motivated him to take on the challenge.
“It’s all about being breast aware and educating Australia on the importance of early detection,” he said.
Their message is simple: ‘Don’t fall into the booby-trap, be breast aware!’
Mr Johnson is expected to return to Katherine on Friday and will continue his journey west on the Victoria Highway on Saturday morning.
Make a donation at the Bendigo Bank and for more information go to: http://loveyoursister.org/
