Sport
28 September, 2023
The long ride for kids
CAMPERDOWN cyclist Steve Pickles is hoping to smash his fundraising target of $5000 before he starts his charity ride from Adelaide to Melbourne next weekend.
CAMPERDOWN cyclist Steve Pickles is hoping to smash his fundraising target of $5000 before he starts his charity ride from Adelaide to Melbourne next weekend.
The 54-year-old father of two will join a contingent of riders for the 1050 kilometre cycle which will raise much needed funds for Lion Hearts Learning (LHL).
The charity was established to enable the running of a special playgroup (set up like a preschool) for oncology kids and their friends.
Educators follow the early learning framework curriculum to ensure the children are ‘school ready’ by the time they can attend school.
LHL is a South Australian registered children’s charity which provides a free playgroup/preschool service to children impacted by cancer, whether it be their own, a sibling’s or a parent’s.
Children undergoing oncology treatment have severely comprised immune systems and must be kept quite isolated.
LHL ensures the environment is clean/hygienic to the level children need as well as providing social, emotional and educational learning.
“The charity helps children with cancer to live their best lives under tough circumstances,” Pickles said.
“I’m hoping that by participating in the ride we can raise funds to help ensure this service continues for those kids.
“A friend of mine, David Elms (originally from Camperdown) asked me to join him and given it’s for such a great cause I didn’t hesitate to say yes. As a father myself this charity resonates with me.”
To date, Pickles has raised just on $4000 thanks to the generosity of the Hampden Hotel and its social club members, along with other donors.
“Simon and the team at the Hampden have been great supporters and I’m grateful for their donations,” he said.
“I’m hoping the local community can also get behind LHL and donate what they can. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of the ride so hopefully we’ll get a tail wind for most of it.”
Having already completed the Melbourne-Warrnambool more than eight times, Pickles is no stranger to long distance riding.
“I don’t mind the distances but I have upped the training abit and have done some extra k’s lately,” he said.
Riders will leave Adelaide next Saturday, October 7 and plan to arrive in Melbourne the following Friday, October 13.
Anyone wishing to donate to LHL and show their support to Steve and his fellow riders can use the QR code on this page and follow the prompts.
