Erin embarks on ride for the kids

A DRYSDALE mum of four will embark on an 800km bike ride across Thailand this weekend to help raise money for disadvantaged children and communities.

Erin Dodd will take part in Hands Across The Water’s Hands’ Southern Ride, which leaves Bangkok on Monday, January 15 and arrives in Khao Lak on January 23.

Ms Dodd has volunteered with Hands Across The Water, a charity that gives at-risk Thai children and their communities a helping hand, for the past four years, using her skills to build and fix homes in Thailand.

“Every November I head over and join a renovation task force and work on the orphanages to make them more functional for the kids by painting them,” she said.

“Some places have looked like ordinary hospitals so we’ve put a lot of colour into them and make them more inviting and a happier place to live.”

She said the Thai children were resilient, and after what they’d experienced in their lives, were still very happy and easygoing.

Ms Dodd said she was looking forward to being pushed to her limits through the bike ride.

“I know at the start of the ride they give you a little card that shares the story of one of the children who is going to be at the orphanage at the end,” she said.

“So it’s a big motivator, I know that as hard as it gets, here is their life in perspective and what they’ve gone through, so it will help me push through.”

She said the ride was also about building friendships with others taking part in the same journey.

Her husband John and kids Rusty, 9, Jasper, 8, Spencer, 6, and Bronte, 4, will meet her at the finish line.

“After the race we are going to live in one of the orphanages for a week, so that will be very interesting for my kids,” she said.

“I think the biggest challenge for them will be three meals a day, because my kids eat their three meals and then graze in between.

“But if we are going to get amongst it, then I’m not sneaking any snacks in for them!”

Erin needs to raise $10,000 to take part in the ride, and a fundraising night for locals will be held at Ruern Kaew Thai Restaurant in Ocean Grove tonight (Thursday) from 6.30 to 11pm.

If you would like to support the ride, head to bit.ly/2ErQwGi.