Distinguished Gentleman's Ride saw 229 ride ffrom Stanwell Park to Mount Kembla

Mr Smith and his group - the FC's - were part of 229 dapper men and women cruising from Stanwell Park to Mount Kembla for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride on Sunday, in aid of mental health and suicide prevention.

"I've got prostate cancer and I know what a wicked disease it is," Mr Smith told the Mercury. "The support of your friends, and everybody else with this ride, is just awsome - it helps."

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Mr Smith has been battling the disease for three-and-a-half years and initially found it difficult to talk about his health.

"That's when the depression starts," he said. "Just turn to your mate and say 'have you got a minute' then just open up, and don't ever be afraid to cry."

Mr Smith said his friend Phill Critcher organised the FC group (meaning "for cure") to take part in the charity ride to bring him a smile.

"He didn't think he'd last a year and I said 'bulls**t, you'll be right' and four years later we're still here," Mr Critcher said.

The DGR began 10 years ago and has been running in Wollongong the past five - raising in excess of $330,000 for the Movember charity, according to ride host Jane Sim from City Coast Motorcycles.

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Movember spokesman Brendan Maher said the Wollongong riders have a strong camaraderie and a genuine desire to support a good cause.

"Everyone here's got a story, everyone here's got an experience, and it's really clear when you talk to people how important mental health and looking out for one another is."

To donate further to the cause, visit: www.gentlemansride.com

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