In March, 48 riders, supported by 12 volunteer support crews, cycled 577 kilometres from Gunnedah to Manildra for the Mill2Mill charity bike ride. The ride, which raises funds and awareness of the resources and support networks available to those suffering depression and anxiety, along with regional small schools and community organisations, was the most successful one to date. Organisers of the ride presented $117,423 to chosen recipients on Friday at MSM Milling.
The organiser of Mill2Mill, MSM Milling Director Pete Mac Smith, said; “What made this ride different to our previous charity rides was the inclusion of an authorised and trained mental health spokesman Jeremy Suggett. Jeremy rode the four-day event with us and spoke to children at schools along the route about the importance of good mental health and how to help a friend in need. In addition to the formal talks with students, Jeremy also shared his story with us, the riders. He started important conversations to create pathways that gave other riders the courage to open up about their own situations and experiences. These are the very conversations we all really need to be having each and every day.”
“It’s an absolute honour to present beyondblue with a total of $97,260 in addition to the $14,150 to Manildra community organisations such as the Manildra Men’s Shed, the Showground Trust and the Montana Skatepark and $6,000 for regional schools, including three in Manildra” he continued. Beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman thanked the Mill2Mill team and Jeremy Suggett for dedicating their time and energy to supporting beyondblue. “Keeping the pedals moving to ride 577kms in four days is an amazing achievement. It’s even more admirable when the motivation is to improve the lives of Australians- including those facing depression and anxiety, and their families” she said.
Pete Mac Smith said “Planning will get underway in coming months for the next ride in 2018.”