Drysdale footballer pedalling for MND cure

A BELMONT resident and Drysdale footballer is currently tackling one of his biggest physical challenges to date, all in the fight to “Beat The Beast” that is motor neurone disease (MND).

An osteopath by trade, James Breust began the 634km route along Tasmania’s east coast on his bicycle yesterday (Wednesday, February 28) for this year’s Pedal Cure 4 FightMND initiative.

All funds raised from the ride by Mr Breust and 130 other cyclists will go towards MND research.

“This will be my second ride, but it is the first time this initiative will be held entirely interstate, which is a bit scary, but Tasmania is a state that has been hit particularly hard by MND so it’s also exciting that we’re going there this year,” Mr Breust told this publication before the ride began.

“The discomfort going up the hills is nothing compared to what MND sufferers are facing, so if all of us can band together and like Uncle Neale says ‘we all do our bit’, then hopefully we won’t have to do many more of these events and we can find a cure.”

Mr Breust, the nephew of FightMND co-founder and patron Neale Daniher and cousin of Hawthorn footballer Luke Breust, said the Pedal Cure initiative has grown substantially over the past four years.

The first Pedal Cure ride was held in 2018, the brainchild of Breust’s father Paul and had almost 40 riders.

“Last year at my first ride, I had never done anything like it, and to be honest this year my preparations have been a bit on the slim side, so I expect my bum to be extremely sore,” Mr Breust said.

“But seeing this ride continue to grow, is awesome and hopefully it can continue to increase in size and awareness.”

This year’s initiative has just surpassed the $500,000 fundraising mark, while Breust alone has already surpassed his $1,000 goal – raising over $6,000 with strong community support from his local football club.

“The Drysdale community in particular has been fantastic, my friends and family have been fantastic, and this isn’t the first thing the club hasn’t done either.

“Drysdale really put The Big Freeze on the map this year and that will return again in 2024 during the footy season, but it’s been great to see the response from everyone.”

Mr Breust departed Devonport for Penguin and back to Devonport on Wednesday, will travel from Devonport to Launceston today, depart Launceston tomorrow to complete the Tamar Valley Loop, will leave Launceston for Bridport on Saturday, before heading to St Helens on Sunday, and then finishing the ride in Swansea on Monday.

The cycling pack will also be accompanied by cycling legends Richie Porte for the entire ride and Simon Gerrans for selected legs.

Click HERE to donate to Mr Breust’s fundraiser.