By Jed Lanyon
The annual Eastern 80 Charity Ride will be marking its fifth anniversary as riders aim to raise important funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital as well as awareness for a rare type of epilepsy.
The Eastern 80 ambassador for 2020 is Damian, a three year old from Cockatoo who suffers from KCNA2 Epileptic Encephalopathy, which results in difficult to control seizures, no functional use of his muscles, the inability to speak as well as hearing and visual impairments and requires him to be tube fed directly into his stomach.
Damian’s mother Renee Swannack said she jumped at the opportunity of being part of the Eastern 80, hoping to share Damian’s story while raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“The Royal Children’s Hospital has played a huge part in Damian’s life since he was born,” she said.
“Doctors, nurses, specialists and allied health professionals across a number of clinics all help play a massive part in Damian’s health and wellness.
“I’m looking forward to the sense of camaraderie and community. I think people getting together for a good cause needs to happen more often and people like Norm, who are arranging it, need to be celebrated.”
While Norm Orr has been instrumental in creating the charity bike ride, this year he will be cheering from the sidelines following ankle surgery.
“We are very hopeful that when people read Damian’s story they will be inspired by his smile and join the walk and keep that smile of his going,” he said.
Mr Orr said the event hopes to raise another $10,000 to push the total donation tally over the $50,000 mark.
Event organiser Bec Orr told the Mail, “It’s a really fun day and seeing all the families there. Crossing the finish line this year with Damian and his family will be really awesome.
The Eastern 80 Charity Ride will take place along the Lilydale Warburton Rail Trail on Saturday 15 February at 8am.
Starting at Cog Cafe Warburton, participants are encouraged to raise $100 and have a range of options to take part in, such as an 80 kilometre or 50 kilometre cycle and now a nine kilometre walk to Millgrove.
For more information and to register for the Eastern 80 Charity Ride, visit https://www.trybooking.com/BGBQJ.
Contact Norm Orr for more information: 0408 592 504 or eastern80@hotmail.com.
