A Baranduda man braved a gruelling bike ride from Sydney to Yackandandah to raise almost $20,000 for a disabled adults day centre.
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An emotional Scott “Scooter” Fraser arrived to the cheers of friends and family at the Murray Valley Centre yesterday.
Leaving Campbelltown on Wednesday morning, he rode 565 kilometres in tough conditions.
“I have had cold, torrential rain, sunburn — we’ve had all four seasons in four days,” Mr Fraser said.
“From Goulburn to Gundagai there were 50-kilometre headwinds all the way.”
Mr Fraser, who’d never ridden more then 40 kilometres at once previously, said he did it in the name of his family friend’s late down syndrome uncle.
He said the centre had given “Uncle Bob” Russell, who died in 2010 at 54, an extension on his life.
“He had a purpose to come here every day and they reckoned that lengthened his life,” he said.
“He had the biggest heart.”
The money will go to a new 21-seater bus, fitted with handrails and a wheelchair, to drive disabled clients to and from the centre and activities.
These include jobs such as lawnmowing and picking up rubbish, or recreational outings aiding in social development and sense of purpose.
The ride is part of the Russell family’s campaign “Get on the Bus”, which has also included a charity ball, auction and raffle.
The centre’s chief executive David Martin thanked Mr Fraser, the Russell family, sponsors and supporters.