By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THIS week Paul Atkinson has been turning the wheels around and around.
The Narre Warren local is currently making the journey from Tasmania to Melbourne’s CBD on his bike in the hope of raising as much money as he can for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The seven-day Ride for Sick Kids began in Launceston, Tasmania, last Saturday before the 30-odd riders flew to Melbourne and began to make their way to Geelong before heading on through Lorne Colac, Ballarat and Williamstown.
Paul is confident he will make it to the end destination – Ronald McDonald House in Parkville – in one piece, but concedes he may be a tad tired.
“I wanted to do that little bit extra for Ronald McDonald House.
“Having an office type job I’m not always doing a lot of exercise, and this was a chance to do exercise with a great group of people and for a great cause,” Paul said, into his third day of the 540 kilometre ride.
“I reckon I’m probably at 70 per cent fitness, I could have trained a bit more.
“My legs are a little bit stiff, and once we do the big hills that could be a challenge, but there’s a lot of fit, professional riders who will support me up the hill.”
Paul is general manager of ARYZTA and his company has donated to the Ride for Sick Kids for the last three years, but Paul wanted to go that one step further.
Earlier in the week Paul had already raised roughly $4500 for the charity this year through the generosity of family and friends.
“It’s a great charity for all the families that are involved,” Paul said.
“It provides a way for families to get support and reassurance. It’s all about the kids and the families going through difficult times.
“What we’re doing is only a little thing compared to what they go through.”
For more information about the RMHC Ride for Sick Kids Victoria, or to make a donation, visit www.rideforsickkids.com.au.
