The response to an online auction offering a ride on a 2021 Harley Road Glide has galvanised the organiser to go further to help a Bay of Plenty cancer sufferer.

'The auction I put on Trade me for Tia-Jayne Rodger to help with her treatment for a rare cancer has been a success, with a winning bid of $560 from a lovely lady buying the ride as a gift for her 18 year old nephew,” says Adam Fenech.

He doesn't want to stop there, and plans to now raise more funds with a ride to Cambridge to help towards Tia-Jayne's medical costs.

'We are looking at setting up a group ride for Tia-Jayne,” says Adam. 'Tia-Jayne and her family need $13,000 per month to fund her treatment.”

Each participant for the ride on Sunday August 15 will be asked to pay $20 with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to help Tia-Jayne.

'If you're a biker or have a hot car and would like to take part let me know, either pay on the day or I can give you details to pre pay.”

The group ride, organised by Adam along with Rodger family friend Jenny Durham, will be leaving from the Lakes BP station on Sunday August 15. Meet up is at 9.30am, and stands up at 10am. The ride will take the back roads to Oasis Hideaway in Cambridge.

'If you haven't been there, it's awesome!” says Adam.

Following a pizza lunch, then it's the back roads to Tauranga again, with a couple of surprises through the day.

'If you are a business or an individual that would like to offer sponsorship, maybe a spot prize or two would be awesome and greatly appreciated,” says Adam.

Tia-Jayne is fighting malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumors – GNET - for the second time.

In 2019, the Tauranga woman underwent surgery to remove tumours from her abdomen, and at the time this procedure was successful. Unfortunately, surgery is not an option this time around.

'We believe Tia is the only person in New Zealand to have this type of cancer, and [there is] less than 60 cases worldwide,” says Jenny. 'As there have only been a few cases worldwide, there is no tried and tested treatment plan for GNET.

'Fortunately, Tia's oncology specialist team is recommending specific immunotherapy drugs to give her the best fighting chance.”

The drugs - Pazopanib at $3000 per month and Crizotinib at $10,000 per month - are not funded in New Zealand and therefore come at a hefty price tag of approximately $13,000 per month.

'This amount does not help to cover the cost of scans and other medical procedures, loss of income for the family while they provide wrap-around support for Tia, or any other expenses involved in the treatment plan as a whole,” adds Jenny.

'Some insurance will help, but nowhere near enough.”

Adam and Jenny are encouraging everyone to help get behind their fundraising endeavours. So far nearly $29,000 has been raised over 25 days from 340 generous donors.

'If anyone can't make the ride but would still like to help out Tia-Jayne and her family that would be amazing!” says Adam.

To help support the Rodger family as Tia-Jayne fights her cancer, go to the Givealitte page

To get involved in the event on Sunday August 15 go to the Facebook page