By Hawkesbury Gazette
Hawkesbury residents are being encouraged to get on their bikes during October to raise money for children living with neurological conditions and their families.
Brainwave Australia’s annual Ride for the Kids challenge invites people of all ages and abilities to set their own cycling goal and seek sponsorship throughout the month.
Participants can ride through their neighbourhood, use an exercise bike at the gym, join friends or colleagues, or take on a longer-distance challenge.
The event coincides with Brainwave Australia’s 30th anniversary. The organisation says about 3,000 Australian families each year have their lives changed by the diagnosis of a neurological condition in a child.
Brainwave provides families with assistance including therapy and essential equipment funding, hospital support, information, peer connections, family days and camps.
Brainwave Australia chief executive Paul Bird said the October challenge was intended to bring people together in support of children with brain injuries and other neurological conditions.
“We are thrilled to be holding this event and hope to bring together every Australian for an important cause such as ours,” Mr Bird said.
“Many families are counting on us for support, and we hope you will all ride with us for the kids with brain injury.”
A ride for every ability
Registration is free, and participants do not need to be experienced cyclists.
People can nominate a distance that suits their age, fitness and available time—from a 10-kilometre ride around their neighbourhood to ambitious virtual challenges based on some of the world’s best-known cycling routes.
Hawkesbury participants can ride individually, form a team with family and friends or encourage their workplace, school or cycling group to become involved.
Organisers say every kilometre ridden and dollar raised will help Brainwave respond to the increasing number of families seeking assistance.
Fundraising rewards include a Ride for the Kids water bottle for participants who raise $100, an adventure shirt for those reaching $250 and an official cycling jersey for cyclists raising $500.
Teams recruiting five riders will also receive cycling caps.
Dual Olympian and cycling commentator Gracie Elvin is supporting the campaign.
“As someone who’s gained so much from cycling, I’m passionate about using it to give back,” Ms Elvin said.
“Ride for the Kids is a chance to do something powerful, while also doing something you love.”
Cycling commentator Matt Keenan, widely known as the “Voice of Cycling”, is also encouraging Australians to participate.
“Every kilometre counts,” Mr Keenan said.
“I’m riding to help kids with brain disorders get the support they deserve—and I hope you’ll join us.”
Thirty years of family support
Brainwave Australia was established in 1996 by Josephine Nicholls AM after her young son was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Ms Nicholls created the organisation after experiencing the uncertainty, exhaustion and extended hospital stays that can follow a childhood diagnosis.
Her son, Nic Cox, is now an adult, a father and Brainwave Australia’s patron.
What began as a small parent-support network has developed into a national organisation that works with major children’s hospitals and supports more than 1,800 families across Australia.
Brainwave says all proceeds from the October challenge will support its work with children affected by brain tumours, acquired brain injuries, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, genetic conditions and other neurological disorders.
Registration is free at rideforthekids.org.au. Further information about Brainwave Australia is available at brainwave.org.au.
