I feel very privileged to be a part of the 2026 #Hawaiian Ride for Youth, supporting the commitment of Youth Focus to support young Western Australians challenged by mental health issues.
2026 will be my 16th Hawaiian Ride for Youth and hopefully, nay also be the 11th Ride for my wife Barbara as support crew member and #1 massage therapist.
People often ask me why I get out of bed at 4.30 in the morning 4 or 5 days a week to train in all sorts of weather and then ride 700 kms from Albany to Perth (in all sorts of weather). The answer is simple.
We have 6 older children who have successfully navigated their teens, and although there have been bumps along the way, all are in a pretty good place. We also have seven beautiful grandchildren two of whom are now beginning to face the challenges of being teenagers. We have truly been blessed. However, and as disappointing as it is, the numbers of Western Australian youth challenged by mental illness continues to rise.
I had a brother take his own life and at least one of our kids has lost a close friend to suicide. I also lost a close colleague to suicide. It happens far too often, and across all levels of our community.
If you or your family have not been touched by mental illness or suicide, you are extremely lucky.
So if riding a bike can help me raise awareness of the extent of youth mental health issues in WA and also raise some money to allow @Youth Focus to continue to provide valuable, free support to our challenged youth, then I'll ride that bike (in all sorts of weather) and over whatever distance it takes to have you put your hand in your pocket and donate to our cause.
Please dig deep to support our youth. Donations are tax deductible.
