While the race around the east coast was organised by local community constable ‘Spike’ (Paul) Dickie and Julie Richmond from the local 1XX radio station, it was a family fundraiser too, with Barry’s sister Del Turnbull and his son ‘Jono’ having their heads shaved as part of the fundraising effort.
Jono was diagnosed with Leukemia 10 years ago. He is now a full time employee of Whakatane Printers and the Leukemia is in remission, says his father. Jono himself is working towards a printing apprenticeship and in the meantime is learning the business from the floor up.
Barry says the amount raised by the cyclists and others is more than four times that originally planned and will go towards support services for child cancer victims and their families.
“We cover about 20 families in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, and the money is very welcome because it is a very difficult time for families when their children are receiving treatment. We act as a support too when they are in remission,” he says.
A delighted Barry says some of the funds will go towards sponsoring local families to a national convention in Auckland this year.
“Initially they only set out to raise $10,000 from the race which was open to the police staff and radio 1XX employees, but others wanted to get in on the act too. So there were more than 20 people riding. They had to raise $500 each and it grew from there.”
