Philip and Sarah Acton’s (Julia Creek) fundraising campaign which is raising awareness for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM) through Philip’s 1512km bike ride from Townsville to Brisbane commencing on July 2 is proving highly successful.
With time to spare the Acton’s have already eclipsed their goal of raising $20,000 for the Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association (MDDA) which nationally represents approximately 1500 people with IEM by way of support, education and research.
“Our donations currently stand at $18,260, and I’ve received another $350 in cash that I need to bank, plus we still have $1500 in sponsorship to come in,” Philip said.
“We’ve had a fantastic response and at our current rate we’re now hoping to get to $25,000,” he said.
Two of the Acton’s three son’s (William, Thomas and Harry) were born with Phenylketonuria (PKU) a rare form of IEM which is treatable but not curable.
Philip took on the charity ride challenge to show his boys and the IEM community, that any obstacle can be surmounted if you put your mind to it.
He’d never ridden a bike before he started his training, but by the time he arrives at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane on July 19 he will have been pedaling for 10 weeks covering a distance of approximately 3800km.
In preparation for the journey Philip has increased his training regime to over 100km of cycling per day, which he said is going well.
“The first time I attempted over 100km I was very tired and sore afterwards, but my body has adapted and by my fourth ride over that minimum length I felt fine.
“I’ll have other riders supporting me from at least Townsville to Mackay, which will be very helpful, which means I won’t be on the road by myself until I hit the 135km stretch from Carmilla to Marlborough, but I think I’ll be right by then.”
Philips shouted out a big thank you to all the sponsors, everyone who has donated to the campaign, and all those who’ve helped spread the IEM and MDDA awareness message.
“I’d also like to thank all our friends and extended family for their support over the past seven weeks, especially my wife Sarah, and our mum’s Ann and Cathy who’ve been instrumental in getting the behind-the-scenes work sorted out.
If you’d like to come and support Philip as he heads out on his trek come to the Townsville General Hospital on Saturday, July 2 just before 10am.
You can donate to Philip’s charity ride by visiting https://www.givenow.com.au/mddaridewithactons and liking and sharing posts on Facebook ridewiththeactons.
