SHANNAN’S RIDE TO HONOUR HIS DAD
GEELONG man Tony Gove endured 22 chemotherapy treatments during his brave five-year battle with prostate cancer.
The avid cyclist and retired Highton Primary School principal “fought hard”, but died from the illness, aged 62, in February.
On Saturday, son Shannan
Gove will ride his father’s favourite cycling route in Moriac to honour his dad.
While the ride will be cathartic for Shannan, it is also a major fundraising drive.
The event, dubbed Tour de Tony, has raised more than $40,000, with all funds to be donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
“Dad fought really hard. He had 22 chemo treatments, which is almost a record,” Shannan said.
“He really fought it the whole way, but it (cancer) was always going to get him because he caught it too late.”
Tony was in his mid 50s when first diagnosed, and had no known family history of prostate cancer.
He was a fit and healthy cyclist, who rode around the world with Shannan, daughter Sophie and wife Carmel. Shannan said his dad had prostate cancer symptoms, but didn’t act on them until too late.
He believed this was common among men who “didn’t share too much with their doctor”.
Shannan is hopeful the ride will raise awareness, reduce stigma and lead to more men being diagnosed with cancer at an earlier stage. “If this means one family doesn’t need to go through what we’ve been through, then that’s a positive,” he said.
The event, hosted by Shannan and co-organiser David Fawkes, will be held virtually, with participants encouraged to ride as far as they can.
A group, including Shannan, will ride together in Moriac on Saturday. To support the cause, visit