Upham straps up for Ride for Sick Kids

GEELONG’S David Upham will jump on the saddle tomorrow when he takes off in the 13th annual Ride for Sick Kids (RFSK) fundraising event to support sick children and their families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).

On Saturday, March 18, the Ride For Sick Kids Committee Chairman will join 30 teams of cyclists who will pedal away on stationary bikes at Republica in St Kilda for 10 hours in the hope of raising enough funds to cover 313 nights of accommodation at a Ronald McDonald House (equivalent to $50,000).

In addition to the first ever stationary spin challenge, Upham and some of his peers are also completing a 100km road race from Fitzroy House across to the Mornington Peninsula and back today (Friday March 17).

Mr Upham said he couldn’t wait to see the community come together to support the charity event.

“We hope to raise anyway between $50,000 and $70,000 for the house so we can support the kids and families that use them,” Upham said.

“I’ve been the chairman for the last seven years and this is one of the three big events for us each year.

“Over the journey of the ride, we’ve wanted to make it more accessible for everyone to ride including families and kids who want to jump on the bike for a couple of hours to help out.

“It’s an amazing charity and I’ve had many friends and family use the house to seek care.

“To see what it does for families and people in regional and city communities is just fantastic.”

Mr Upham said that there will be a range of activities during both races to keep family, friends and riders engaged, including live music, racing challenges and plenty of McDonald’s cheeseburgers to make sure everyone is fueled.

Peter Bishop, CEO of RMHC Victoria and Tasmania said the Ride for Sick Kids has been an integral part of their fundraising efforts over the last 13 years.

“We are calling on all Victorians and Tasmanians to support the fundraiser by taking part in the Spin Challenge or Road Race, or by making a donation online,” Bishop said.

“Now is the perfect time for locals to take on a new challenge and help us pedal our way to our fundraising target so we can continue to support seriously ill or injured children and their families.”

Over the past 12 years, Ride for Sick Kids participants have helped to raise more than $3 million for RMHC in Victoria and Tasmania and have clocked over 5,432km on their bikes, raising enough funds for 20,340 nights of accommodation to give sick children a home away from home.

For more details and to donate, visit https://www.rmhcvictas.org.au/event/rfsk2023/home