Three generations create Hawaiian Ride for Youth history 

The Cousins family is synonymous with the Hawaiian Ride for Youth. This week will be a landmark occasion for the clan as three generations participate in Ride Week for the first time in history.

71-year-old Phil Cousins joined the Hawaiian Ride for Youth in 2003 and has participated every year since.

“I have been involved in community organisations all my life, so when Peter Trench invited me to join the Hawaiian Ride for Youth after the 2003 Ride, I jumped at the opportunity. The fact that the Ride was raising funds to help young people and the prevention of self-harm and suicide made it a no-brainer,” Phil said.

In 2005, Phil’s daughter Dannielle signed up to cycle alongside her father, and then the following year, son Jarrad joined to make it a family affair. Since then, other family members have jumped on the Hawaiian Ride for Youth bandwagon, including Dannielle’s husband Anthony, Phil’s nephew Brett, his wife Jenelle and their son Matt. In total, eight members of the Cousin’s family have participated in the Hawaiian Ride for Youth as riders and support crew on a remarkable 58 occasions since 2004.

During this time, the Cousin’s family has raised in excess of $500,000 to support Youth Focus – an incredible achievement.

Now embarking on his 20th Ride Week, Phil is proud to share this journey with not only his son, Jarrad, who has participated in 17 rides, but also his 18-year-old grandson, James. This is the first time in the Ride’s history that three generations have participated in the event.

James was born in 2004 and has attended every Welcome Home Ceremony since.

“This year, having turned 18 and qualifying to ride, it will be very special to ride with James and Jarrad and cross that finish line together and create ride history,” Phil said.

The Cousins family were celebrated at the Ride Week opening night dinner in Albany on Monday, ahead of their epic 700km ride from Albany to Perth.

Donate to the Hawaiian Ride for Youth at www.rideforyouth.com.au/donate