When I was 7 and prior to starting a new school, an old kindergarten friend named Andrew Wicks invited me to his party, to meet some new school colleagues.
Come the day and sitting in the car with Mum, both our black afro’s tweaked, I gazed, terrified, across what seemed a daunting Belair street. My eyes welled up in fear of the boys staring back from Wicksy’s front yard. Crying, I couldn’t go in.
One of the boys broke rank and approached the car. Big red afro shining proudly. He introduced himself and chattered reassuringly to Mum while I cleared my tears. This boy then took my hand and held it all the way across that road.
Mum still gets tears when she recalls the story. Although I’m not sure if it’s from the gesture or the image of two skinny kids with afro’s holding hands! I’ve never forgotten it. His name was Nick Lee. He is my oldest friend.
Jodi, the love of Nick’s life was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 39. It was devastating. How terrifying for Jodi, Nick, Jack, Bella and Jodi’s loving brother Troy and family.
Beautiful Jodi fought a courageous battle. But this horrible disease had established itself. She tragically lost her fight.
My wife Marisa also lost her Grandmother to bowel cancer. It does not discriminate. Early detection could have saved both their lives.

In joining “The Little Black Dress Classic” bike ride, I hope to help spread the message that early detection of bowel cancer saves lives.
Along with the other brave participants, I’ll be riding with 3 old mates in Nick, Justin Nugent and James McKay. Thanks must go to Justin for his persuasive take on the challenge.
Those who know me are aware that riding 950km in 7 days will be no walk in the park. Twenty years of smoking, drinking, partying, iced coffees and pies have taken their toll.
But Nick has lent me a bike and the lycra (yes, lycra). I started training early January with a 4.5km ride on the flat that nearly killed me. Since then I’ve blown out a lot of cobwebs, cut down on the beer and smokes and my diet is good. I hope to not smoke at all in the very near future.
Still 5 weeks of hard work to do, but progressing. Personally, training for the ride is a lifestyle change and massive commitment. I have embraced and look forward to the enormous mental challenge.
Please show your commitment to reducing incidence of bowel cancer by donating to The Jodi Lee Foundation. Your support will help me through the km’s.