Paul Atkinson of Narre Warren is gearing up for a charity ride to raise money for sick kids.
The 56-year-old will join more than 40 cyclists who will embark on a 400km cycling journey over four days, with the aim of raising $300,000.
The event is part of the annual Ronald McDonald House Charities – Ride for Sick Kids Victoria, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary milestone this year.
Beginning their journey in Lorne on Saturday 14 March, the riders will tackle the iconic Great Ocean Road, navigating their way through the Bellarine and the Mornington Peninsula and crossing the Otway regions, before finishing their journey at Ronald McDonald House Monash on Tuesday 17th March.
Paul originally joined the ride as a crew member, helping out the riders as they tackled the 400km journey.
A few years later, he was at a charity auction where he saw a road bike up for grabs. As he puts it “he locked eyes with the auctioneer and has been riding ever since”.
Paul said he was inspired to make a difference: “It’s all about raising money for sicks kids, it’s a really good environment”.
“There’s a good group of people and they’re all there for the same reason”.
He’s been training for four months but admits: “Like anything, probably haven’t done enough but I’ll find out once I hit the saddle in Lorne”.
All money raised will support families who need a home away from home while their sick or injured child receives treatment in nearby hospitals.
For more information visit: https://fundraise.rmhc.org.au/event/ride-for-sick-kids-vic/home
