Widow cycles 40km to honour husband lost to dementia and fund research
An 81-year-old widow cycled 40 kilometres around Lake Burley Griffin. She did this to honour her husband and help fund dementia research.
Janice Fitzpatrick and her husband Bernie cycled together for decades. In May 2018, Bernie was diagnosed with dementia.
As the disease got worse, Bernie lost his ability to read and teach. Eventually he could not remember his wife.
But Bernie could still pedal even as his memory faded. On September 18, Janice cycled 40 kilometres around Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin.
She did this to honour Bernie and support dementia research. "To honour Bernie, but also hopefully help future generations work out what causes dementia," she said.
Dementia is now Australia's biggest killer. In 2026, about 459,231 Australians are living with the disease.
About 6,336 people are diagnosed with a dementia-related disease this year in the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama areas.
- Almost 60 years
- Years together
- 40 kilometres
- Cycle distance
- 6,336 people
- Diagnoses in region (2026)
- Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
- Location
Why it mattersJanice's ride honours her husband's memory. It also raises funds for dementia research. The disease is now Australia's leading cause of death.
AustraliaDementia is now Australia's leading killer, affecting hundreds of thousands of Australians and their families, with research and carer support still lagging behind the need.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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