FOOTBALL legend Barry Cable will ride 1000km to help raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s research.
The former Perth and North Melbourne player will ride with former Masterchef contestant Josh Catalano in support of the McCusker Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.
Mr Cable and Mr Catalano were in Subiaco on Tuesday promoting the Barry Cable Ride for Memories, which will run from June 4-10.
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READ NOW“I know a couple of people who have Alzheimer’s. I am getting to the last of my long rides so I thought I would do this, not just for them but also for the thousands of people around Australia with Alzheimer’s,” Mr Cable said.
“We are hoping we can get the message out there.
“Fitness has a lot to do with any disease, I believe, and it certainly has a lot to do with Alzheimer’s.
“It is important we show the way in that regard,” said the 72 year-old three-time Sandover medallist.”
McCusker Foundation CEO Judy Edwards said Alzheimer’s affected more than 350,000 Australians and was the nation’s second highest cause of death.
“There is no cure, however, research is showing hope in regards to memory preservation being helped by exercise,” she said.
“We are grateful that they are getting on their bikes.”
Mr Catalano said the cause was personal to him since his grandmother suffered from the disease.
“It has been challenging… it was very hard when you’ve gone from someone you love so dearly to them not recognising who you are,” he said.
“The response from the public has been great. I am going to carry the baton for these long rides into the future.”
Mr Cable said he had Mr Catalano’s cooking ability in mind when he “roped” the chef into the project.