For the 19th time, Ross Bingham will don the lycra, hop on his bike and pedal more than 500km to help children, and their families, doing it tough.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Northern NSW chief executive officer is a familiar face on the annual Ride for Sick Kids and, in 2023, it’ll be no different.
He’ll join at least 20-to-25 other cyclists as they hit the road from Grafton on Tuesday 5 September, journeying to Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Forster and Salamander Bay before returning to Newcastle on Saturday 9 September.
“2005 was my first ride, so it’s certainly something that makes me work harder through the winter,” Mr Bingham said.
“To be honest, I’ve always been a bit apprehensive about jumping on the bike because it’s a long way and I usually don’t get the training in that I probably need.
“However, what pushes me through that and what I love is the fact we ride through areas where the children actually come from.
“So, you see how far it is to John Hunter Hospital for those families… you get a good understanding of the distances.
“It’s not only an important fundraiser for RMHC; it’s a chance to raise awareness about the organisation and letting people know Ronald McDonald House is here in Newcastle.
“Plus, riding bikes is something that attracts attention and, I guess, keeps you healthy,” he added with a laugh.
“But, seriously, it does put things into perspective.
“You must work hard to get up some of the hills and, sometimes, it’s a bit of an effort.
“That’s life, too.
“It makes you realise [what we’re doing] is nothing compared to what these families are going through.
“So, it’s a big reality check.”
In 2023, Ride for Sick Kids is aiming to amass $200,000 to provide the essential services people need when their child is diagnosed with a serious illness, including families like Ayla Franco’s.
The two-year-old, who’s suffering from neuroblastoma, father Diego, mother Beatrice and older sister Anne-Georgia, 4, have been staying at Ronald McDonald House since October.
“My youngest daughter was diagnosed last year… it’s a type of cancer, which affects children aged five or younger,” her dad told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We’ve now transferred from Coffs Harbour to Newcastle.
“Because we’re so far away from home, we had nowhere to go, except Ronald McDonald House.
“We are blessed… everyone’s made us feel welcome.
“At the moment, we have a very good place to stay in; a unit with all the appliances that we need for our family during this very hard time.”
To kick-off proceedings, Mr Bingham joined representatives from local businesses and residents last week at the official launch event, Bike and Blend.
The dedicated group used their pedal power to mix some delicious smoothies for the families with sick kids staying at Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle.
“We’re looking to raise about $200,000, which is a significant amount for RMHC,” he said.
“I think we’re getting close to that already and we we’ll probably smash that out of the park, which is great, thanks to the riders and sponsors supporting us.”
Mr Franco, who also took part in the Bike and Blend, is encouraging others to dig deep into their pockets.
“I was more than happy to be involved,” he said.
“Every possible thing that we can do as human beings to help kids with any type of disease is very welcome.
“Hopefully, we’ll see many people make a donation; every cent counts.”
To support the Ride for Sick Kids fundraiser, go to www.rideforsickkids.org.au
Confirmed route:
- Day 1: Tuesday 5 September – Grafton to Coffs Harbour (104.9 kilometres)
- Day 2: Wednesday 6 September – Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie (167 kilometres)
- Day 3: Thursday 7 September – Port Macquarie to Forster (92.5 kilometres)
- Day 4: Friday 8 September – Forster to Salamander Bay (112 kilometres)
- Day 5: Saturday 9 September – Salamander Bay to Newcastle (54.5 kilometres)
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