On World Cancer Day, Cycle For Gold, India’s largest charity cycling challenge benefiting children with Cancer was launched on 4th February. This is a nationwide movement to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer care. Organized by CanKids KidsCan – The National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, the fourth edition of Cycle for Gold sets an ambitious goal, to collectively cycle 6,00,000 kilometers over 40 days. The aim is to raise Rs 3 crores through donors, sponsors and corporates to support the treatment of 24000 children with cancer that CanKids is supporting this year
The launch had amazing support from riders, cycling clubs, cancer survivors across the country, with awareness rides in Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Sangli & Goa to name a few. Riders braved the winter chill to flag off from hospitals, CanKids Care Centers and Home Away From Homes for children with cancer and their families.
Said Poonam Bagai, Founder-Chairperson of CanKids KidsCan: With Cycle For Gold We deliver a powerful message about the impact of collective action. “Every kilometer cycled brings us one step closer to ensuring better treatment, support, and survival for children with cancer. With the support of donors, sponsors and corporates we aim to raise Rs 3 Crore , Rs 50 for each km cycled, contributing to the holistic treatment and financial protection of the 24000 children we are supporting this year.
This 40 day challenge covers World Cancer Day on 4th February and International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15th and runs aligned to the International Union For Childhood Cancer Theme – United By Unique, People Centered Care, Win For Every Child!
Among the inspiring participants is Vikas Yadav, a 25-year-old Retinoblastoma survivor. He shared his powerful story of resilience and survival, stating, “When I lost my eye to cancer, I thought I had lost my future. Your journey doesn’t end with a diagnosis; it begins with a fight.” Vikas’ involvement in Cycling for Gold is deeply personal, as he emphasized, “I ride because I survived. Every child should have that chance. CFG gives us a voice and a way to fight for others still in the battle.”
With the founding principle of Cycle Anytime Anywhere & contribute your miles, this event is open to individuals, clubs, corporates, and institutions, allowing participants from any place in India or the world to set personal cycling goals ranging from 100 to 1,000 kilometers and make their kms count for good. A platform, integrated with popular cycling apps, allows participants to track their progress, while on-ground challenges, digital campaigns, and community rides engage cyclists across India and beyond.
Cycle for Gold is more than just a cycling challenge; it is a testament to the resilience, strength, and unity of those committed to ensuring a future where no child dies of cancer. With momentum building up until March 16, 2025, this initiative offers a unique opportunity for people to come together, get fit while helping turn hope into reality for children battling cancer across India and the world.
About CanKids
CanKids was founded in 2004 by cancer survivor and patient advocate Ms. Poonam Bagai under the umbrella of the Indian Cancer Society, Delhi Branch, which then spun off in June 2012 and registered as an independent National Society. CanKids enables better standards of treatment and care by partnering with Cancer centers, assessing needs and filling gaps on an ongoing basis, through funding support, providing social support staff, enhancing capacities and driving quality care, research and impact assessment. Through stakeholder engagement and advocacy CanKids aim to ensure that Childhood Cancer is a child health priority in India.
