Ridin 4 Mates 2022
By Isabella Kidd


Ridin 4 Mates 2022

Our event is now gaining momentum and the word is spreading far and wide. We have support from individuals and businesses across the state and many new riders wanting to be involved. Find out a little bit more about the ride below:

The Ride

Starting on 13th September, a group of riders will set off from the picturesque Riverina town of Tumut. Comradery will be the focus as they trek 650kms over 5 days, encouraging each other along the way, finishing in Bulga on Sunday 18th September.

Front of mind along their journey will be the Mark Hughes Foundation and the fact that their ride will bring in thousands of vital dollars for such a worthy cause. For the most part, the riders are competent professionals with skills built over their time cycling, however the final day of the trek will see a large assembly of varying skills and experience gather to ride the final leg. Over 50 riders have expressed interest in being involved and showing support for such our event.

Along the way, they are spreading the word and raising money for brain cancer research. Brain Cancer is still one of the most understudied cancers and survival rates have barely changed in decades. Having watched my Dad suffer through the debilitating disease, my wish and our goal is to ensure we can raise as much awareness and funds to start to change the statistics. Charities such as MHF put such hard work into ensuring that not only is there continued research into Brain Cancer, but they can also offer the support that patients and their families need. This comes in the form of the dedicated Brain Cancer Coordinators who are linked with patients to assist them in organising everything from appointments, in home care and services, medication, paperwork, assessing their needs and essentially providing them with a voice.

During my Dad’s journey, we dealt with two beautiful coordinators that were so warm and friendly, and were able to answer many questions for our family when we didn’t have the opportunity to speak with the specialist. They were present for all appointments, called my parents to check in and when we started with palliative care, they were always able to coordinate what was needed.

For my family, the last day of the ride will be a bittersweet event. So many people gathering to honour my Dad and the impact he left on those who knew him, as well as his good mate Mick Ford who sadly passed away from the same horrible disease. Gathering for such an event, having a beer and raising funds will be a significant day, but bittersweet as my Dad’s presence will missed as always.

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My brother Matt and my husband Dane as well as some of Dad and Mick’s mates will join the ride for the final day. While not experienced riders, they will give it all they have and I know they will conquer the distance because they know that Dad and Fordy will be backing them all the way.

We have set our goals high for the inaugural fundraising event to raise $30,000. Initially we thought it was out of reach but we are already well on the way with over $15,000 raised to date through sponsorships, raffles and T-shirt sales.

We send our thanks to anyone who has supported our event so far. Join our Facebook page to keep up to date with our fundraising efforts and keep Sunday 18th September free to come along to Bulga Tavern to enjoy the day and celebrate the accomplishments of the riders.

Stayed tuned for the final instalment about the plans for the last day of the ride and the events for the Bulga Tavern on the 18th September.