Manly based charity Royal Far West celebrated its 10th Ride for Country Kids event in March, with 50 riders covering over 330kms and raising $381,846 for country children’s health.
All funds raised go towards Royal Far West’s work in connecting country children with behavioural, developmental and mental health needs to the critical assessments, services and support they need to help them thrive.
Northern Beaches local, psychologist, and Royal Far West staff member, Lucy Morrison, took part in this year’s event. Lucy said “I’ve been with Royal Far West for eight years now, and this was my fifth time taking part in the Ride. It was tough, but such an incredible event to be a part of.”
“Through my clinical work I have seen first-hand the difficulties faced by country families accessing health care, and the impact delays have on kids was my motivation throughout the harder parts of the ride. Getting support at the right time is truly life-changing for kids and their families and being able to help put that spotlight back on the needs of country kids in both fundraising and riding was so important to me”.
“We were lucky to stop past two local primary schools in the region during the event, and all the riders were able to hear from the principal, the teachers and the children about the impact and importance of Royal Far West’s work in the area. It was a proud moment, to share the impact we are having, and also a great reminder of why we were riding.”
Jacqueline Emery, Royal Far West CEO, celebrated the riders’ achievements in helping to make a difference to the lives of country children and families.
“We are so proud of our team of dedicated riders. They have been busy not only training, but also raising funds and awareness for the work we do at Royal Far West for months. It’s a huge achievement and we are so thankful for their support. These funds will help provide important health services to country communities who need it most.”
“Children in rural communities are twice as likely to be developmentally vulnerable than city children, but the support is not always there. Country communities have limited access to allied health care, they are facing waiting lists that extend into years, long distances to travel for help – and on top of this they have been impacted by countless natural disasters. We aim to bridge this gap and help families access the early intervention they need to help improve their child’s life trajectory.”
This year’s event was held on the Sapphire Coast of NSW, with riders taking on a three-day route from Merimbula through Eden, Wyndham, Bega and Tathra before finishing in Cobargo.
RFW and its team of multi-disciplinary clinicians have been working in primary schools and preschools across the Bega region, supporting thousands of children, parents, and teachers within the community.
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. Head here to learn more.