70.3 for Cancer

By Simon Van Weelde

I’m taking on the ACRF Host challenge to support the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) in their mission to create a world without cancer.

Right now, 2 in 5 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. By supporting this cause, we can make a real difference in how we prevent, diagnose, and treat all types of cancer—working toward ending this devastating disease once and for all.

A little about me and why I chose to get involved: I’m 22 years old, and last year, at the age of 21, I lost my father to cancer. My dad was first diagnosed in 2020, and he fought long and hard battle with this ugly disease. Sadly, in late 2023, his battle took a turn for the worse. Experiencing this firsthand has motivated me to raise funds for cancer research, as a tribute to my dad.

I’ll be competing in the Port Macquarie Half Ironman (70.3) on the 4th of May, which includes a 2km swim, 90km bike ride, and 21km run. While I’m new to this kind of challenge (I only started training two months ago for my first triathlon on March 16), I’ll have about six weeks to prepare for the 70.3. My goal is simple: I want to simulate, in some small way, the kind of physical and emotional endurance that cancer patients go through.

Thank you so much for your generous support. Donating to ACRF means you’re helping fund the best cancer research in Australia, giving people—people just like your friends, family, or even yourself—a fighting chance. Every contribution counts.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$1,000

Tracey Van Weelde

Amazing stuff Simon! 🥰🥰

$1,000

Giacomo Rossano

$515

David Carhie

Well done Simon..!

$515

Christophe Delorme

Go Simon! Mark is proud of you. 😘

$515

Gavin & Sharyn Bradley

You’ve got this!

$309.30

Soedirdja Family

We are all so proud of you. Such a noble cause and impressive challenge ❤️ here with u every step of the way!

$208.60

Dimitri Tops

Great cause for a great man and all people affected by cancer.

$206.20

Jayden Soedirdja

Good stuff bro.

$200

Sue & Ian Hobson

Good luck Simon!

$158.25

Nic

You are gonna make him (and all of us) so proud 💪🙌🧡

$131.88

Louise Cummins

Mark would be proud ❤️

$131.88

Will Mcdonald

$106.12

Patten Family Wa

Well done Simon. So very proud of you Patten’s X

$106.12

Anonymous

Incredible, Simon! Best of luck, and thank you for supporting such a worthy cause. So many of us have been affected by this devastating disease within the family, your efforts mean a lot.

$106.12

Catriona

Well done Simon on your huge efforts 🙌🤩

$103.72

Manon Perkes

$103.72

Grace Youlden

$100

Simon Vw

$100

Lucas Van Weelde

Dad is waiting at the finish line 🤍

$100

Harry Algar

$75

Stephanie Larcos

$54.12

Leyla Soley

❤️

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Rachelle Armaly

Wishing you all the best Simon! Dad would be so proud

$54.12

Luke Arnold

💪🏽

$54.12

Marie K And Nick G

$54.12

Mia Ruddle

He’d be so proud of you!

$54.12

Dylan Strydom

$54.12

Redmond

Good on you Simon!! Best of luck for the race mate.

$50

Zoe

Inspiring Simon, best of luck in your training and race!

$50

Greek Farmer

Unreal mate, will be following closely - sure you’ll Kill it, and of course amazing cause

$50

Harriet Limbers

$50

Charlotte North

💛💛

$50

Gabby H

$50

Mac North

🙏🙏🙏

$50

Josh Benneyworth

Love what your doing king, hope your doing well and keep up the grind ❤️ FCK CANCER!

$32.43

Nyah Carlson

$30

Keff

Wishing you all the best my king x

$27.81

Luke Vrcelj

$27.81

James Smith

$27.81

Ava Bernardi

$27.81

Josh Lenta

🐐 stuff mr van weedle

$27.81

Tom North

$27.81

Garcia Bertini

Good stuff 💪

$25

Eduardo Young

$25

Finn Coles

$20

Zac Teen

$15

Olivia Hatch

$11.65

Alex Borland

$11.13

Cooper Hatvany

WHOS GONNA CARRY THE BOATS