Five years, millions raised: Suncorp’s Spirit to Cure inspires support, community and connection

Since 2021, the annual Suncorp Spirit to Cure Program, in partnership with Tour de Cure, has raised funds for cancer research, support and prevention across Australia. 

Spirit to Cure is a yearly chance for Suncorp employees to get active, make meaningful connections and fundraise in support of many of their colleagues and their families who have been impacted by cancer. 

The 2024 event was an incredible success, raising $1.7 million for cancer research and related cancer support initiatives. Over the past five years, the program has raised a total of $6.2 million, with a target of reaching $8 million in 2025. 

Suncorp Chief Information Officer and Spirit to Cure champion Adam Bennett participated in this year’s 10km Sydney walk event; a new distance added this year to help improve accessibility and increase participation.

The program had evolved, driving regional participation and accessibility 

Suncorp Spirit to Cure Program Manager Caitlin Makin agreed that 2025 showcases the significant growth of the Spirit to Cure program over the past five years. 

“This year the program has evolved significantly. We have introduced new events such as a 10-kilometre walk option, a new walk in Townsville and a swimming event in Brisbane,” she said. 

“These additions aim to support accessibility and expand the program's reach in the regions. 

“All money we raise is directed to Tour de Cure, who allows us choose the not-for-profit cancer organisations that benefit from our fundraising.” 

Caitlin also emphasised the importance of the dedicated support crew and volunteers in delivering the events. For Suncorp employees it is a paid workday and Suncorp dollar matches the volunteer hours of the support crew through its ‘Collective Giving’ program.

Suncorp’s Paul Ryan shared his cancer journey story 

To raise awareness of the annual event, the Spirit to Cure team shares stories of Suncorp employees impacted by cancer, including Suncorp Privacy Manager, Projects, Paul Ryan. Paul was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive form of brain cancer, in April 2023.  

Following a craniotomy to remove the primary tumour from his right temporal lobe at Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Paul underwent 30 rounds (six weeks) of radiation and chemotherapy followed by another six months of chemotherapy. 

After leaving the hospital, Paul quickly realised foundations and charities supporting brain cancer patients and their families play an important role, in addition to those focused on treatment and medical research. 

While undergoing treatment Paul participated in Spirit to Cure’s Brisbane walk event in 2023 and 2024. Paul’s 2024 fundraising efforts supported a $10,000 grant to the Peace of Mind Foundation, helping brain cancer patients with one-on-one personal support, and supporting families to navigate the complex road to treatment, financial support and practical assistance.  

For Paul and wife Kirsty the brain cancer diagnosis was a life altering event. 

Paul said: "When I received my diagnosis, our sons Willam (17) and Samuel (15) were in their final years of high school. Both are now in university. Kirsty and I recently celebrated our 50th birthdays together and next year will be our 25th wedding anniversary."

This year, Paul’s fundraising will be directed to a brain cancer foundation called All in the Mind which provides 1:1 psychology care to brain cancer patients and their families. 

“All in the Mind provides access to mental health professionals, which is a huge help to brain cancer patients and their families.  

“When you get a brain cancer diagnosis and are faced with your own mortality, there is so much to process. You're going to understand the importance of a therapist. It is also important that family members can get support too.” 

Suncorp has supported Paul's return-to-work and Spire to Cure fundraising efforts. Paul’s treatment is ongoing and he’s grateful for the support of his family, the Royal Brisbane Hospital team, Suncorp leadership and his Suncorp colleagues. 

“Suncorp completely supported me during my time off for treatment, to meet my needs and help with my return-to-work plan. I've received wonderful support from senior leadership, my colleagues, and our internal networks such as the Employee Council and return-to-work team."

After two years of treatment Paul has rejoined the Suncorp Compliance team as a Privacy SME on the Privacy Prime Project established to support Suncorp’s compliance with Privacy Law reform.  

He explained that Suncorp has been an early adopter of AI technologies and has proactively implemented AI ethics principles. This proactive approach has positioned Suncorp as a leader in ethical AI use. 

“I love my job at Suncorp, and it was good coming back to work. A lot has changed in the rapidly evolving world of AI since I went into hospital, and it has been important for me to remain engaged in my work. 

“But my treatment is ongoing, and I need flexible work arrangements to get to doctors’ appointments, to recover from treatment, and spend time with family.

“This year I’d like to reach my $20,000 target. I've dedicated my fundraising to a friend of mine who received the same GBM diagnosis, six months after me. But sadly he passed away.” 

This year Paul participated in Brisbane’s new four kilometre swim event hosted at Fortitude Valley pool. 

“The Support Crew, Tour de Cure and Pager Duty were incredible; the work that goes on behind the scenes pre and post event is significant. 

“Suncorp Spirit to Cure is emblematic of our People and Culture where our people are engaged and thriving, prepared for the future and getting better every day.”