Father and son take on diabetes cycle

A NARRE Warren South father and his son are using pedal power to raise money to help find a cure for diabetes.
John Naffa and 13-year-old Jason are gearing up for the 2009 Great Victorian Bike Ride along the Great Ocean Road.
Mr Naffa said one of the reasons he was taking part in the fundraiser for Diabetes Australia was because of his eight-year-old daughter Stephanie who has type one diabetes.
The Hillsmeade Primary School student has had diabetes since she was two years old.
“It’s a daily battle for every diabetic person. But Stephanie does the best she can,” he said.
The pair have been training hard for the event to be held later this month, which will see them ride 547 kilometres from Saturday, 28 November, to Sunday, 6 December.
Mr Naffa said this was the first time they had taken part in the fundraiser.
“We’ve been training for it and doing plenty of kilometres,” he said.
The Naffa family is hoping to raise $2000 for the cause.
“So far we have $875,” Mr Naffa said.
“A special thank you goes out to all those who have donated,” he said.
Mr Naffa said his daughter was thrilled they were doing the Great Victorian Bike Ride.
The Great Victorian Bike Ride has been held in late November or early December every year since 1984 and has been dubbed Australia’s biggest one-week cycling holiday. The Great Victorian Bike Ride has attracted a sell-out 5000 cyclists and over 500 volunteers and supporting crew.
To support Diabetes Australia visit www.everydayhero.com.au/ john_naffa. – Kelly Yates