The Corowa local will journey to Japan for the six-day cycling tour, which aims to raise funds for cancer research.

Ms Willett's late father Gordon will be there at the finish line with her, in spirit.

“I chose to do this ride because the finish date (April 28) is Dad's birthday,” Ms Willett said.

“I'm always thinking about the end of the ride.

“I'll probably take some time out in that moment, wish him a happy birthday, and thank him for inspiring me to help others.”

Gordon Willett was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2004, passing away after a four-year struggle with the disease.

At the time, the prognosis for myeloma was poor – most people who were diagnosed could expect to survive for a maximum of roughly four years.

“I was surprised to find out that the outcomes were that poor when I did some research into it after Dad passed away,” Ms Willett said.

“He shielded us from all that sort of stuff a little bit.

“From what I can see now in regards to research, there are new drugs being trialled, there has been some success.

“The prognosis has been extended to about five or six years now, which is really good.

“There have been some good advances since Dad was diagnosed.

“Unfortunately there's still something of a lack of knowledge about that type of cancer, so survival rates aren't good.

“It doesn't get any easier having lost him, but it's given me a determination to help in any way that I can.

“Hopefully another daughter doesn't have to lose her Dad.”

Still a relatively new event, with this year's gathering in Japan the fifth, Ride for One continues to build on its success.

Participants range from fitness and cycling enthusiasts, haematologists riding to give back to the patients they've cared for, and people like Ms Willett, who are riding in memory of a loved one.

Ride for One event manager Meaghan Bush said the different stories of the people participating was what made the ride special.

“We get people from all walks of life taking part in the ride,” she said.

“Whether it's haematologists, people like Briony who have been personally affected, or we've even had cancer sufferers take part as well.”

For Ms Willett, taking part in the ride is all about momentum.

“It's a way to keep fighting,” she said.

“Mum went through every treatment with Dad, when you lose someone everything stops in a sense.

“This keeps us moving.”