Suncorp’s new Spirit to Cure initiative has raised $1 million to aid cancer research, support and prevention.

The funds support Suncorp’s Brighter Future’s foundation partners, including the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Cancer Council Queensland, Cancer Council NSW and Koala Kids, along with Tour de Cure cancer research and prevention grants.

Staff across Queensland, NSW and Victoria are “lacing up and Lycra-ing up” to ride 300 kilometres over three days, or participating in CBD walks, to support partner Tour de Cure, which since 2007 has raised over $70 million and funded 563 cancer research projects.

Suncorp’s Victorian cycling teams will set out from Traralgon, Gippsland on February 17, backed by a support crew of Suncorp volunteer drivers, navigators, community co-ordinators and logistics support providers.

Last week, the NSW Spirit to Cure cycling team rode from Sydney to Bowral, Wollongong and back again, covering 307 kilometres. On Tuesday, walkers covered 21 kilometres through the Sydney CBD.

It follows a three-day ride in Queensland in mid-November by a Suncorp team of 50 cyclists from Toowoomba to Warwick to Ipswich to Brisbane.

“Spirit to Cure builds on the amazing passion and caring spirit of our own people, who have jumped on board with great energy and commitment,” Suncorp Bank CEO Clive van Horen said. “Together, we will make a real difference.”