Welcome to my page. A quick introduction: I don’t cycle, do early mornings or drink coffee. I do however love chocolate, dancing and helping others.
Last year our family went through a very challenging time when our son was diagnosed with a tumour. We received so much help and support, and I discovered strength I didn’t know I had. My aim this year is to harness that and do something with it to make a difference, and to ‘give back’. Doing this Ride allows me to do all this (and then some!) whilst looking after my own wellbeing. Win, win!
It’s an audacious goal that requires significant commitment and will force me to live waaay outside my usual comfort zone. Not to mention the need to purchase a bike! But I am looking forward to the challenge, especially if it can change some of these statistics:
• 1 in 5 Australian’s are affected by mental illness yet many don’t seek help because of its associated social stigma;
• 1 in 4 young West Australians are affected by mental illness;
• Suicide accounts for 1 in 4 deaths in the 12-25 year age group. On average we lose one young Western Australian to suicide a week.
The purpose of this Ride is to remove the stigma surrounding youth mental health, and to raise essential funds to enable Youth Focus to build a more resilient community. A cause that I am proud to be a part of. Youth Focus is a not-for-profit organisation that supports vulnerable young people (12–25 year olds) and their families by offering a range of free, mental health services including counselling, early intervention and prevention strategies.
It is each rider’s responsibility to pay for the costs associated with organising the Ride and I have already paid the $1,500, ensuring that every cent of monies donated go directly to Youth Focus and its cause. In addition to paying my way I am donating my time (and tears) to train more than 7,000km for this worthy event. I would sincerely appreciate your consideration of making a donation to my fundraising efforts. I am aiming to raise as much money as possible with my minimum goal being$5,000.
Thank you for your support.
Jacinta
