Inspired by a feeling of helplessness after a friend passed away, Briony turned emotion into action, sparking a five-year journey of giving back to the research community as a rider and volunteer with the Tour de Cure SA Discovery Tour.  

“I got into it because we had, at the time, a friend who passed away, and I felt like this is something I can do to help”, Briony said. 

“You feel a bit useless and a bit helpless. But in this position, I can support my colleagues, and out of that might come something for people in the future.” 

As Briony transitions to retirement, her passion for supporting younger researchers continues to grow – and the SA Discovery Tour has become a meaningful way to support the next generation.  

“I’ve been in roles which are supporting younger researchers to become successful. 

This is my way of giving back and supporting young researchers.” 

It’s more than a bike ride – it’s an emotional journey 

The SA Discovery Tour is more than a cycling challenge – it’s a community dedicated to funding live-saving cancer research, prevention, and support programs.  

Having participated in five editions, Briony reflects on the amazing camaraderie, connection, and feeling of achievement that make each tour special. 

For researchers thinking about joining, Briony says the experience brings a deeper appreciation for the people behind the funding.  

“Being on the tour, they can really see where their funding is coming from.” 

“There’s nothing like seeing that the money has been generated by a lot of sweat, it makes you really focus your research ideas.” 

Importance of donor support for up and coming scientists 

Having dedicated her career to understanding how cancer cells grow, Briony knows how vital donor support is for exploring new ideas that can lead to breakthroughs.  

“The grants that are available through Tour de Cure are incredibly appreciated by the researchers, because without those sorts of funds, we can’t then develop our research programs to be at a very mature stage to be able to then get the larger sums of funding”, said Briony. 

“If you don’t support the initial research ideas, then we’re going to be in trouble.” 

For early-career researchers, this support can help them build momentum and establish their careers.  

“I’ve certainly seen some younger researchers get some momentum out of that funding, and they’ve gone on to have fellowships and do lots of really nice publications”, said Briony. 

“That really has helped their momentum.”