WHILE Kris Mandeville’s family remain at a bedside vigil at the hospital, his mother-in-law returned to the Border yesterday to take part in last night’s bike ride.
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Janet Gillmartin said her daughter, Shae, was at the Royal Melbourne Hospital keeping a watchful eye on her husband.
“Everyone has been so strong and Kris is starting to show signs of real improvement,” Mrs Gillmartin said.
“The family is touched by the ride this afternoon and the support from the community.”
She was taken aback by the large crowd who had turned out to support her son-in-law.
“Initially the sense among the family was that this was a private matter but we are starting to see how the community is rallying, rising up over not just what happened to Kris but others before him,” she said, adding it showed the public has had enough of violence.
WHAT THE FAMILY SAID
“The family of Kris Mandeville would like to say thank you to each of you who have chosen to ride tonight in his honour.
It will be a long time for Kris to recover from his injuries and it is our prayer that this time will be one of reconciliation for the Albury community.
May this random act of violence lead to random acts of kindness.
We are grateful for all the people who are riding tonight and to all that have reached out to him. God bless each of you.”
— Kris’s parents, Lloyd and Charlie Mandeville.
“I would like to give thanks to Mark Riddell for organising this gathering and choosing such an appropriate way to send support to Kris.
Also many thanks to all that have sent their kind words about Kris, love and support, and assisted in so many different ways over the past few days.
It is times like this that we are all asking why?
Some may even be angry, but please, try to remember it was anger and aggression that led to the unfortunate and tragic events that we are here for today.
Tonight’s gathering and ride can be a chance for moving forward and healing.
A night to also reconnect within our community and to get to know others around us that we need to care for.
This will help us be a step closer to the streets of Albury being a safe place. Ride for peace.”
— Shae Gillmartin, wife of Kris
