MS cyclist visits Wagstaffe
Melbourne-based businessman Sean Sampson, stopped in at Wagstaffe on his two week 2500km cycling journey from Brisbane to Melbourne, raising money to support those living with multiple sclerosis.
Sean pulled in to the Central Coast on Friday, March 16, and caught the ferry from Wagstaffe to Palm Beach.
The idea started just two years ago when Sean began cycling to work.
He said he quickly developed a taste for the open road and the thrill of pedalling up the nearest mountain.
"Then one day I said to my wife that I would ride from Sydney to Melbourne after Christmas.
"She thought I was crazy at first," Mr Sampson said.
He said he had heard about a charity, formed by people with MS and their families and friends, who were raising funds to find answers to treat the debilitating disease.
"MS is an incurable disease which often hits when people are in the prime of their lives, attacking their brain and spinal cord causing irreparable damage," Sean said.
"My aim is to raise more awareness about multiple sclerosis and tell to people how they can become involved in helping future research into defining the causes of MS," he said.
Sean began his journey in Brisbane on Saturday, March 10, from Southbank.
He crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge on its 80th birthday on Sunday, March 18, and said he hoped to reach Melbourne by Saturday, March 24.
His goal is to raise at least $10,000 for research into multiple sclerosis.
"I am doing this ride for the 21,000 Australians currently living with MS and I encourage anyone interested in joining me for the ride, one day or even one kilometre, just contact me," he said.
"People need to know that you don't need to have MS or know someone with the disease to help out or volunteer for this great cause."
To donate to Sean's ride for the MS Foundation 5 Million Plus visit www.brisbane2melbourne.com.
Sean's quest will raise awareness and money for two charities, Foundation 5 Million Plus, a community fundraising initiative of MS Research Australia, and Cottage by the Sea.
Media Release, 1 Mar 2012
Norelle Feehan, Feehan Communications
Photo: Naomi Bridges