On the bikes for Bella

FUNDS raised throughout a twelve-hour rideathon this weekend are set to support people with spinal muscular atrophy, and their families.

Hundreds of riders will take to 67 exercise bikes on Saturday 2 December from 5am for the Ride 4 Bella event, led by Hot Temple owner Emma Tuddenham.

“My daughter, Bella, passed away two-and-a-half years ago from spinal muscular atrophy,” she said.

“This means the muscles of your body get weak, and eventually so weak that you can’t breathe. Some children with it can live a life through to adulthood, but some, like Bella, pass.

“Owning a gym, I felt I could help, and alongside my brother who I’m in business ownership with, Matt, we decided to do a 12-hour ride and see if we could get some sponsorship.”

As her daughter had the condition, Ms Tuddenham has built a network of spinal muscular atrophy families, who will be the beneficiaries of the Ride 4 Bella.

“We’ll directly donate to the families who are living with children with disability due to SMA,” she said.

Since Bella died, Ms Tuddenham’s ride initiatives have raised $230,000, and the 2023 12-hour event already has 35 businesses on board as sponsors, alongside the individual pedallers.

Her goal is to raise at least $80,000 which will go towards things like getting cars wheelchair accessible, motor assist technologies for wheelchairs, and a specialised trailer for a young go-karter with SMA.

“We are grateful for our bodies and health, and giving our energy back to children who need our help,” she said.

Visit ride-4-bella-2023.raisely.com to donate or take part.