THEY are the determined riders, braving the weather and taking to the roads all in the name of charity.
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And, today around 20 riders passed through Scone on their fourth leg of the 524 kilometre journey from Inverell to Newcastle.
The group are determined to raise over $250,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities in the region.
The Ride for Sick Kids kicked off from Inverell on September 12 – and after navigating through hundreds of kilometres of terrain in Northern NSW they stopped at the Scone Motor Inn on Thursday night.
The riders made a special visit to St Mary's Primary School, addressing the students about the important work Ronald McDonald House does.
After a short stop in Muswellbrook, they continued their battle through the second last leg of the journey to Singleton – and will finish at Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle on Saturday September 16.
Ross Bingham, CEO Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW said they were already close to their target of $250,000.
“The funds will go towards the Northern NSW chapter – that includes two Ronald McDonald Houses in Newcastle and Tamworth as well as family rooms at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital in Newcastle,” he said.
“It also includes family rooms at Gosford Hospital on the Central Coast as well the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat in Forster.
“The proceeds from Ride for Sick Kids play a huge role supporting families of seriously ill children.
“We battled through some tough weather conditions and strong winds on Wednesday, and then a dramatic cold change on Thursday.
“It was a very tough ride from Tamworth to Scone on Thursday with winds gusting up to 58 kilometres per hour.
“Although tough, the impact the donations raised through the event make on the lives of families assisted by Ronald McDonald House Charities makes each kilometre worth it,” Mr Bingham said.
In 2016, 16,140 nights of accommodation were provided to 761 families in Northern NSW and 31,618 people were supported through the Family Rooms.
In addition to this, 161 students were supported by the Ronald McDonald Learning Program which helps them catch up on missed schooling due to a serious illness.
Since the inaugural ride across Northern NSW in 2005, over 7,500 kilometres have been travelled and nearly $3 million raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
People are encouraged to show their support by donating to the cause or joining the RMHC RFSK NNSW virtual ride.
To show your support visit rfsk.org.au.
Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
