The countdown is officially on, with Royal Far West’s annual Ride for Country Kids fundraising event taking place this month.
The Ride aims to raise awareness and vital funds to support Royal Far West, the Manly-based charity whose work connects country children to the vital services they need to support their early development and enrich their lives.
This year’s event will run from 12-14 March and see cyclists ride over 400km through the stunning Snowy Mountains region. Each year, the Ride takes participants into the country communities Royal Far West serves, giving them the opportunity to hear stories, take in the views and experience life away from the city. This year’s route will see participants ride from Cooma to Lake Hume Village, with stops in Thredbo and Tumbarumba.
26-year-old Harry Hawthorne is one of the riders busy in training for the event. The Northern Beaches local works in the facilities team at Royal Far West, but his connection to the organisation runs much deeper with his grandfather, uncle, dad, and brother all former or current employees. “My grandfather Col worked here for over 20 years, my uncle Stu for 10 years, my dad Daryl has been here for over 40 years, and I’ve been working alongside him for almost five years now, with my brother Tom doing casual work with us. My parents also met here!”
Harry has worked on the event for the last three years as a support crew driver, but this year he decided to shake things up and join as a rider. “I kind of got over sitting in the car and felt like I could get it done, so decided this year I would give it a go. Looking at this year’s course, it’s a bigger challenge than expected but I’m ready to take it on.”
It’s no small feat, with this being Harry’s first time on a road bike. He admits it’s taken some getting used to, but plenty of training has helped him prepare for the long and steep route ahead. So, what’s he looking forward to? For him the amazing scenery and the chance to prove himself with this massive challenge. Of course, a big reason is also to give back to Royal Far West and the amazing work they do in supporting country kids and their families.
Country communities have had a tough couple of years – affected by floods, bushfires, and other natural disasters. The impact of these disasters, coupled with the limited availability of services, has seen the number of country kids in need of developmental and mental health services drastically increase.
Right now, 190,000 children across rural and remote Australia have health and developmental needs that can’t be met because of where they live. The Ride and the fundraising efforts of the riders help to directly support Royal Far West’s work in connecting country kids with complex, undiagnosed developmental and mental health needs to the critical services and support they need to thrive.
Royal Far West has over 120 paediatric clinicians who provide services at the centre for country kids in Manly, virtually via telehealth and in-community. Support the ride, or sponsor Harry at
rideforcountrykids.com.au. Every donation, no matter how large or small, can make
a difference to country kids.