Just before Kylan Beech’s 14th birthday, he lost his mother, Tammy, to cancer. Rather than focusing on his grief, Kylan became determined to help ensure others would not have to experience the same tragedy.  To help fund the early detection of cancer, Kylan focused on fund raising for the Cancer Council, riding his bike 220 kilometres from his home to Barmera. Convincing his three older brothers to join him, Kylan coordinated the ‘220 for Tammy’ event, gaining sponsorship then organizing a dinner and auction for over 200 people, raising over $30,000, all while in Year 11.  

Then just after his 20th birthday, Kylan and his brothers completed a 2,200 kilometre ride from the Gold Coast to Adelaide, with Kylan as organiser of the support crew, videographer and media coverage. He created and maintained a website and social media coverage to spread the word. The team got to know the communities through which they passed, with many of them also raising funds. In the Riverland the brothers addressed local school students, speaking about their experiences and their cause.   

This ride culminated in a further fundraising event, with entertainment, auction items and merchandise for sale after which Kylan continued to raise funds, including through a documentary about their 2022 ride. In all, Kylan’s untiring efforts have raised over $100,000 for the Cancer Council, all before his 21st birthday.   

Kylan works as a Disability Support Worker with disabled adults, helping clients integrate into their local communities. He has also been a volunteer for the St Vincent de Paul Society for many years, has worked as Youth Minister and mentor at Nazareth and Sacred Heart Colleges, umpires for the SANFL reserves and works in the family business. In both his paid and unpaid work, Kylan dedicates his life to helping others.