When they arrive at the New Lambton Heights address on Saturday morning, they’ll no doubt be feeling tired and weary.
But, the 25 riders can rest assured their efforts have helped raise much-needed funds for seriously-ill children.
The cyclists will cross the finish line on 9 September of what has been a 500km journey from Grafton to Newcastle.
The group’s ridden for five consecutive days with the aim of raising $200,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern New South Wales (RMHC Northern NSW).
This is the last leg of the 19th annual Ride for Sick Kids (RFSK) event.
Riders are expected to arrive at the car park at Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, in the John Hunter Hospital precinct, to the cheers of well-wishes.
Their efforts will cover the costs of 1,481 nights of accommodation at a Ronald McDonald House.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is an independent charity that helps 60,000 seriously-ill children and their families each year.
Those like Newcastle youngster Emma, who has been receiving treatment at the hospital since her Leukaemia diagnosis in July last year.
Emma and her family have been able to take a break from the hospital ward to meet friends and family, grab a cuppa or do some laundry at Ronald McDonald House.
She, along with her siblings Belle and William, has also been supported by the Ronald McDonald Learning Program, which has provided them with a tutor so they can keep up with their schoolwork.
“The support we have received from Ronald McDonald House Charities since Emma’s Leukemia diagnosis has been incredible,” says Emma’s mum Alex.
“As a family we are extremely grateful to have been able to have holistic support for our whole family during this incredibly difficult time.”
RMHC Northern NSW CEO Ross Bingham said at the start of the 2023 Ride for Sick Kids that the event doubled as a significant reminder.
“The challenges the cyclists will face as we ride 500km from Grafton to Newcastle over the next five days is nothing in comparison to the challenges a family faces when their child is diagnosed with a serious illness.”
Cyclists have travelled from Grafton to Coffs Harbour (104.9km), Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie (167kms), Port Macquarie to Forster (92.5kms), Forster to Salamander Bay (112kms), and Salamander Bay to Newcastle (54.5kms).
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