AU – RRT Tamworth Feeds Cyclists in the Ride for Country Kids

A Tamworth RRT member has always been impressed with what Royal Far West does to offer specialist healthcare services to children in regional, rural and remote communities in New South Wales. After noticing an article on the Riding for Country Kids charity bike ride in a Tamworth newspaper contact was made with the event organisers to offer RRT’s support for the cycling event, which would cover 500km in 4 days.

Mary Bishop, the Fundraising Manager for RFW, was very pleased to get the call. She quickly struck up an agreement for the RRT to provide food and drinks at two key locations along the way.

The first RRT provision was on day two of the ride, at the very top of the pass over Mt Kaputar National Park. The riders were certainly pleased to see RRT at the top, after already completing the steepest part of the ride! The drinks and fresh fruit were quickly demolished, and then they moved onto hot drinks and muesli bars. The riders were amazed with the generosity of the RRT, and pedalled off to three rousing cheers.

Two days later, when the cyclists pulled into the country town of Manilla mid-morning after fighting a strong headwind all the way, they met the RRT in a lovely shady Rotary Park, and to their surprise, a BBQ sizzling with sausages and eggs. The eggs proved very popular! The RRT learnt that eggs and bananas were their favourite source of energy.

The riders and staff from Royal Far West were so appreciative they have said they are hoping that the RRT will be there again next year.

Congratulations to their mighty effort! They raised over $180,000 for the Royal Far West Organisation. These funds will be used to provide specialist medical care for children in rural areas who would otherwise not have ready access to such services.