The inaugural “Darren’s Ride”, commemorating the life of Darren Whitby, came home from Perth to Busselton Sunday 27/03/2016.
The weather gods smiled on the day, and Margaret Hitching, aka “Princess” and her fellow Geographe Cycle Club member Bob Hingston kicked off from the South Perth foreshore at 03:55am, joined by Laurie Collett and Tricia Miller at Pinjarra Road. With support drivers Bob Hitching, Robin Ullyott and Denise Davies , the team made good time down to Busselton, picking up Darren’s wife Kirsten (riding especially for him) at Bovell Oval at 5:35 PM.
Under motorcycle escort from Chris Ebsary, the group arrived to an emotional welcome from a crowd of family, friends and supporters gathered at the Busselton RSL. Local MLA Libby Mettam and Mayor Grant Henley, and Darren’s best mate Darcy dog joined the crowd to celebrate bringing Darren home.
With monies donated so far and pledges to come, over $10,000 has been raised (so far!) to finance research and help people living with MND.
“Darren’s Ride” continues; please go to www.darrensride.com.au to see pictures from Sunday and for details of the many other fundraising initiatives to come…
On Saturday 2nd April
from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm
the Blue Illusion Boutique at the Garden City Shopping Centre in Booragoon will be previewing their new collection, with 15% of sales to be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA, in support of “Darren’s Ride”.
Blue Illusion stores at Karrinyup, Claremont, Floreat, Joondalup and Midland Gate will also be participating in the fund raising event. Please RSVP to your nearest store if you would like to attend…
karrinyup@blueillusion.com 94453204
claremont@blueillusion.com 92843411
midlandgate@blueillusion.com 92501516
floreat@blueillusion.com 93874615
joondalup@blueillusion.com 93011124
Work for a Cause!
Get on board Darren’s Ride
and Donate
Well done to Margaret and her support crew.
They made it home to a warm welcome from the cheer squad.
Time for some food and bubbles.
Thanks so much everyone.
Remember to get on board Darren’s Ride
and Donate
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Final update
1735 – at Bovell Oval and joined by a very special rider for the last 2km – Kirsten Whitby.
For Darren x
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
1715 – corner of Layman Road and Tuart Drive. Darren’s Ride is almost home …..
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
1550 – Darren’s Ride has turned off Bussell Highway onto Roberts Road. One more stop and 31km before completion …
Come on down to the Busselton RSL to welcome Margaret as she finishes her ride from Perth for Darren’s Ride. Raffles, silent actions, plant sales, sausage sizzle, bar open and live music. 4 pm to 7 pm.
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
1400 Darren’s Ride has reached Australind. On the way down we drove alongside the beautiful Leschenault Inlet. On our way now to the next stop (Bunbury Racecourse). Laurie has rejoined us after a short detour …..
then onto Bunbury
1445 -arrived Bunbury Racecourse.
Two of Laurie’s grandchildren and a great grandson came along to cheer Darren’s Ride on. 1455 departed to head down Bussell Hwy towards the next stop – Roberts Road. 50km to go!
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
Last few kilometres on Forrest Hwy before the Buffalo Road stop…