ROTARIANS across Victoria are mourning the loss of an adored Cranbourne member who was tragically killed on Friday while involved in two of his greatest loves – cycling and helping those in need.
Jared Dunscombe, 31, was killed about 9am on Friday when he fell from his bike along Wharf Road, Corio, and was struck by a truck and trailer travelling in the same direction.
Mr Dunscombe was taking part in his second Ride to Conference with other Rotarians and exchange students, which raised $66,000 for three Rotary projects, when the tragedy occurred.
His mother, Cranbourne Rotary President Kathy Dunscombe, said Jared would be dearly missed by their family and Rotary clubs across the state.
“He was a very loving and caring son and brother,” she said.
“He was always wanting to help; he would help anyone.
“He’d do anything for me.”
Mr Dunscombe had once beaten the odds to live after he was hit by a car when he was seven years old and doctors gave him no chance of survival.
He spent three and a half weeks in a coma and doctors said he would never walk or talk again.
However, he defied medical odds and not only survived but went on to live quite a remarkable life.
He lived life to the full and took part in a number of events over the years that people never thought he’d be able to, including the Kokoda Trek, the Portsea Swim Classic and the San Remo Channel swim.
He became involved with the Cranbourne Rotaract Club at a young age, and over the years has taken part in a number of fund-raising events.
He was also involved in a group call TRAG – Teenagers Road Accident Group – which saw him visiting schools and speaking to students about the dangers of modern driving.
He was chosen to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay in the lead-up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games, aged 24.
At the time, he spoke to the News and said he hoped his story and his run with the Queen’s Baton showed people they could overcome obstacles and achieve success.
“No matter what your dream, it is important that you pursue it with determination and have the courage to face the challenges, the trials and the setbacks you may face on the road to your success,” he said.
Ms Dunscombe said that was one of the great things about her son – his determination.
“He only had a few physical problems, but he never let them affect him,” Ms Dunscombe said.
“Jared was quite a fighter, even from a young age, and put in lots of hard work to get through his problems.
“He overcame obstacles nobody thought he’d ever be able to.
“He was a fighter and would never say no.”
Mr Dunscombe was born and grew up in the Cranbourne and Casey area.
He went to Cranbourne Primary School and later Haileybury in Berwick.
He was a member of the Casey Concert Band as a trumpeter, where he was the bands’ longest-serving member.
Mr Dunscombe’s other great love was cycling and it was one of the sports he could cope with quite well.
He moved to Mornington a few years ago to run a sports store in the area.
Ride to Conference chairman Ian Symons paid tribute to Mr Dunscombe at the conference on the weekend.
“Those involved with this year’s Ride to Conference have been dealt a devastating reminder of how quickly the excitement, enjoyment and satisfaction we so often get out of life can be so quickly thrown into turmoil by an unexpected tragedy,” he said.
“Jared Dunscombe loved riding his bike.
“He was determined to complete his second Ride to Conference.”
Mr Symons said Jared was a man who loved a challenge.
“He was determined to triumph over the physical limitations imposed on him as a result of his near fatal injuries when a child,” he said.
“He showed great courage and perseverance in his efforts to triumph over his adversities and in doing so he provided us all with a great example of how we should seek to live our own lives.
“Just as Jared was determined to complete this year’s ride, so we are determined to continue the Ride to Conference in future years. He would expect it of us.”
Mr Dunscombe leaves behind his parents, his sister Jonelle and her husband Adam, and nephews Kalen and Makai.
His funeral will be held at 3pm on Friday at the Peninsula Golf Club.
