By Esther Lauaki
A group of novice cyclists is about to embark on a “monster” 300 kilometre ride of a lifetime.
Former Werribee and Collingwood footballer Darren Saunders is leading the pack of 27 on The Great ‘Never Give Up’ Ride – a three-day trip from Hoppers Crossing to Tocumwal in New South Wales in October to raise money for Motor Neuron Disease.
Mr Saunders said he had always hoped he could make the interstate trek by bike.
“I have a property in Hoppers Crossing and a property in Tocumwal and two or three of us who live near the Murray got together and decided, ‘let’s do a ride,’” Mr Saunders said.
“We will be riding with another 30-odd local and interstate, non-professional riders.
“No rider is what you would call ‘experienced’ but we all have plenty of passion and motivation to ride for all those Victorian’s living with MND.
“My sister Kerry Saunders is the oldest at 60 and she’ll probably do it easier than all of us.
“It’s going to be a great ride with great people, training for a great cause.”
He said the cause hits close to home for many of the participants.
“My mother-in-law was diagnosed with MND three years ago, so I know what people go through,” Mr Saunders said.
“A lot of us have been affected by MND and have somebody in our lives with it.
“We couldn’t think of a better chairty and we didn’t have to look too far.”
He said Werribee Districts Football Club is holding a fundraising Ladies Day on July 6 raising money towards The Great ‘Never Give Up’ Ride. Tickets are $70 and includes an afternoon of food, drinks and dancing.
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