Home News & Updates Gear up for good: Hutchies 2025 Challenge Ride

Gear up for good: Hutchies 2025 Challenge Ride

Icon Cancer Foundation / 26 Nov, 2025

On Sunday, 30 November riders from across Queensland are teaming up to take on the inaugural Hutchies Challenge Ride, proudly hosted by Hutchinson Builders. This one-day cycling event will see participants pedal an incredible 250km to raise $250,000 in support of two life-changing causes: AEIOU Foundation, supporting children with autism and Icon Cancer Foundation, funding vital cancer research.

Two teams – the ICON Allsorts and ICONic Pedalers – made up of clinicians, staff and patients from Icon Cancer Centre sites across Brisbane will participate in this community-powered pedal.

Among them are Icon Cancer Centre Clinical Nurse Caitlin Pert, past patient Andy Steele, and Icon Group’s Director of Haematology Associate Professor James Morton AM, who is also the Founder and Director of AEIOU Foundation. In the lead-up to the big day, they share why this challenge, and the charities it supports, means so much to them.

A shared mission: two causes, one goal

For A/Prof Morton, this year’s Hutchies Challenge Ride unites two causes very close to his heart.

A highly respected clinical haematologist, A/Prof Morton has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for people facing cancer and is a strong advocate for clinician-led research through Icon Cancer Foundation.

“We’ve got an enormous workforce at Icon Cancer Centre. Our doctors, nurses, radiation therapists see things where their day-to-day care could enhance patient outcomes, and it’s important to empower our teams to ask questions and develop innovative research,” he shares. “Icon Cancer Foundation drives these clinical trials, ensuring our patients have access to cutting-edge therapies. But that can only happen if we continue to raise funds.”

Yet it was his experiences as a parent that put him on another philanthropic path.

A/Prof James Morton AM (far left) at a charity cycle event.

After his son Andrew was diagnosed with autism, A/Prof Morton and his wife Louise faced the overwhelming difficulties that come with navigating and accessing the various support services their son needed. That experience inspired them to establish the AEIOU Foundation, to provide specialised early intervention services for children with autism. Over the past 20 years, AEIOU Foundation has supported thousands of children, helping them develop the skills, independence and confidence to live their best lives.

“These children often come to us with quite severe global developmental delay and low function,” he explains. “At four years old they may not talk, they’re not toilet trained, they have meltdowns, challenging behaviours, and they’re often excluded from mainstream settings, especially childcare. It’s overwhelming for the child and their family.”

Learn more about AEIOU Foundation

AEIOU Foundation offers a safe environment with highly trained staff and on-site speech, occupational and behavioural therapy, tailored to each child’s own needs. “Children are able to learn and develop life skills in an environment where they feel calm and supported,” A/Prof Morton says. The outcomes for children and their families are life changing and transformative.

Now, with the support of Hutchies, both causes are coming together to raise awareness and funds for families facing serious health challenges.

“Hutchinson Builders have been a long-term supporter of AEIOU Foundation. They build all of our centres and have a personal connection to our work,” he shares.

Looking ahead, A/Prof Morton sees the potential for this collaboration to grow. “We hope this can become an annual event, expanding nationally – raising funds and awareness for two important causes.”

Support A/Prof Morton in the Hutchies Challenge Ride – donate here.

A/Prof James Morton AM training alongside fellow ICON Allsorts riders, all past patients of Icon Cancer Centre. From left to right: Andy Steele, David Hutchinson, Shane Rainbow and A/Prof Morton.

Allsorts of good

Riding alongside A/Prof Morton in the ICON Allsorts team is Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane Clinical Nurse Caitlin Pert.

Despite being new to cycling, joining the team was an easy decision for Caitlin. “A/Prof Morton invited me to join the ride with him and his team this year, I was very happy to take part for such good causes,” she says.

Caitlin’s biggest motivation comes from the patients she’s cared for over the past three years. “As a haematology and oncology nurse, I see the effect cancer has on patients and their families every day. Icon Cancer Foundation plays a great role in improving cancer care and creating better outcomes for our patients,” Caitlin shares.

She’s also proud to support AEIOU Foundation and says, “working with A/Prof Morton I’ve heard about the impact AEIOU has on so many people’s lives. I’m grateful to be able to take part in supporting them.”

Clinical Nurse Caitlin Pert and A/Prof James Morton in their cycling gear at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane.

The team and patients at Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane have proudly rallied behind Caitlin, hosting a ‘Sports Day’ at site to help her reach her fundraising goal. The boost of encouragement and show of confidence has kept Caitlin going through months of training. “All the patients at South Brisbane mean so much to me, and I greatly appreciate all the support and generosity for this event,” Caitlin says.

Support Caitlin in the Hutchies Challenge Ride – donate here.

Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane team supporting Caitlin at a fundraising ‘Sports Day’. From left to right: Clare Smith, Megan McLaren, Emma Petrons, Tara Hutton, Sharai Hammond, Erica Smeaton and Naomi Richards-Bethe.

Andy Steele (left) with A/Prof James Morton.

Ride of resilience

Among the riders is past Icon Cancer Centre South Brisbane patient, Andy Steele who was previously treated by A/Prof Morton. Andy has always been passionate about staying active, keeping up cycling and running throughout his treatment whenever he could. Being well enough to take part in this year’s Hutchies Challenge Ride is something he doesn’t take for granted.

For Andy, riding alongside his A/Prof Morton and supporting both Icon Cancer Foundation and AEIOU Foundation feels deeply meaningful. “Being able to raise money for causes that are extremely close to my heart and being fit enough to do it – it’s a win–win,” he says. “To be able to give something back to Icon and AEIOU Foundation, which I know about from A/Prof Morton – it’s a special opportunity.”

Riding in the Hutchies Challenge represents a huge milestone for Andy and his health, something he reflects on with deep appreciation and gratitude to his care team.

“It’s unbelievable. To be fit and healthy enough to do what you love, and to have the opportunity to give something back to people who have helped me a lot over the last two and a half years. It’s an amazing and very special opportunity,” says Andy.

He hopes others will feel inspired to join similar challenges. “My encouragement to other people is: if the opportunity comes, get on board. If you’re passionate about the cause and fit enough to do it, then put your leg over the bike, run, swim – whatever you do. It’s not only giving back, but it’s part of growing our community that we want to be here to look after us.”

Support Andy in the Hutchies Challenge Ride – donate here.

Support the Hutchies Challenge Ride 2025

The Hutchies Challenge Ride is about more than cycling – it’s about making a real difference in the lives of families facing cancer and supporting children with autism. This year, riders are aiming to raise $250,000 for Icon Cancer Foundation and AEIOU Foundation.

Help us reach this goal. You can make a donation to an individual rider or team.

Support the ICON Allsorts

Support the ICONic Pedalers

Learn more about The Hutchies Challenge Ride 2025