Up to 25 cyclists, many from the Hunter, will brave the windy conditions while celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Ride for Sick Kids (RFSK) this week.
The group is scheduled to depart from Glen Innes on Tuesday 3 September, clock more than 500 kilometres with stopovers in Armidale, Tamworth, Scone and Singleton, arriving in Newcastle on Saturday 7 September.
But, it’s all for a fabulous cause.
They’re aiming to amass $200,000… or the equivalent of 1,481 nights of accommodation at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
All funds raised go directly to the northern NSW arm of the organisation to help support seriously-ill and injured children and their relatives.
Families like Darcy’s who have received assistance since he was diagnosed with bone marrow failure in 2019.
They’ve been able to enjoy time away from the hospital ward in the Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Family Retreat.
Something, which Darcy’s mum, Karli, is grateful for.
“The Newcastle House has been a place where we can find a sense of normality,” she said.
“Spending time on Darcy’s school work, watching a movie or sitting out in the sun, helping us pass the many hours of waiting anxiously for blood results.
“The support we have received from Ronald McDonald House Charities has been incredible.
“We are extremely thankful.”
Ride for Sick Kids is a vital fundraiser, according to RMHC Northern NSW CEO and 2024 participant Ross Bingham.
“Family milestones and highlights are the magical memories that a family creates and shares together,” he said.
“In 2024, we are celebrating our very own milestone – 20 years of Ride for Sick Kids.
“So, we’re appreciative for all the support over the past two decades and can’t wait to hit the road for this very special year over the coming days.
“While it’s a gruelling journey, it’s all for the greater good – to help keep our doors open to families when they need us the most.”
The RMHC Northern NSW Ride for Sick Kids fundraiser was founded in 2005.
In its inaugural year, 14 riders cycled from Inverell to Newcastle raising more than $80,000.
Since then, in excess of 100 participants have ridden at least 12,000 kilometres across northern New South Wales, raising funds to provide 32,592 nights of accommodation for families of seriously-ill or injured children.
For further information, or how to donate, go to www.rideforsickkids.org.au.
For more community stories:
- Walk for Archie to honour young boy’s memory
- Newcastle’s Ruby Mavor, the face of Australian Scouts
- Newy cyclists gearing up for Mark Hughes Foundation
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