Julia Creek’s Philip Acton will arrive at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane on Tuesday concluding his epic 1512km, charity bike ride that he commenced in Townsville 18 days ago.
Philip undertook the ride to raise funding and promote awareness for the Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association (MDDA) and their work involving Inborn Error of Metabolism (IEM) a disorder which two of Philip and wife Sarah’s three sons were born with.
Philip said he’s been blessed with good fortune during the journey without a single flat tyre impeding his progress, which he narrowed down to “beginners luck”, as before the trek he’d never ridden a bike in his life.
He said he’s been amazed by the generosity and support that everyone along the way has shown him.
“People always have kind words of encouragement to give, bought me meals and put me up in accommodation including a stop at Biloela where Don and Di Morris literally opened their home to me.”
Phil said the donations for the MDDA have also come thick and fast and the total to date has blown the hinges off the initial fundraising goal of $20,000.
“On our GiveNow page we are up too $37,049 in donations and we have another $1500 in sponsorship to come; the support has been overwhelming.”
Phil said the thing he’s looking forward to most once he completes the ride is spending time with Sarah and his children William, Thomas and Harry.
“That’s definitely been the hardest part of the journey, so I can’t wait to see them.”
Sarah said she’s exceptionally proud of Philip’s achievement and thanked all the people that have shown him support during the ride.
“I’d especially like to thank our mum’s Ann and Cathy for all their help and support before and during the ride,” she said.
