GIVEN the family history, it is no wonder Matt and Bob Turner are riding their bikes in the Smiling for Smiddy NSW Challenge.
Seven years ago, when he was 31, Matt Turner was diagnosed with a Clark level IV melanoma on his right shoulder.
After a long operation to remove the cancer and nine lymph nodes under his right arm, the Blakehurst resident and owner operator of Chem Dry Deluxe made a full recovery.
Early last year Matt's father Bob Turner, 64, was diagnosed with a metastatic parotid squamous cell carcinoma, originating from a skin cancer, in his neck.
Bob endured a three-hour operation to remove two tumours and associated lymph nodes before going on to have 28 sessions of radiation.
He is back at work with Bob Turner Wildlife.
Matt's uncle Greg died two years ago at age 55 from prostate cancer.
His grandmother went through breast, kidney and bladder cancer, and nine years ago his mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She has recovered.
His sister has had a melanoma scare but thankfully it was caught in the early stages.
Matt and Bob will be join the bike ride, named after Adam Smiddy who was 26 when he died of an aggressive melanoma in 2006, for a 600-kilometre cycle over four days through the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley.
Their personal goal is to raise $5000 in sponsorship; the whole group of about 40 people is aiming for $100,000.
More than $3 million has been raised since 2006, going into melanoma, prostate, breast and ovarian cancer research, and for complementary therapies.
The Turners would welcome sponsorships and donations.
Go to http://smiddyfundraising%20.com.au/matthew_turner_7 to become involved.
