THE inaugural Mother’s Day Pink Pedal Ride held on Sunday has been described as a “most moving” event.
Organiser Lynne Heslop said enough money had been raised to meet the aim of purchasing a $16,500 L-Dex Lymphoedema measurement machine for the region.
A total of $13,350.25 was raised on and leading up to the day, to add to $4000 already raised for the machine.
“The idea of the fundraiser was to be able to tell the Swan Hill Women Touched by Cancer group (WTBC) that they know have enough to purchase the machine,” Ms Heslop said.
“This machine will be in honour of Marg Mason, who started up WTBC.”
About 1000 people participated on Sunday, either riding their bikes, walking or just enjoying the lunch at Riverside Park.
“The amount of support was just overwhelming,” she said.
“Within the the first three days of organising the event I knew I was on a winner, I have been on a lot of committees before, organising different fundraisers and I have never experienced people approaching me to be a part of it.
“It has been the most moving moment I have ever had.”
With the option of riding 15km, 40km or 80km, or walking the 2km track, Ms Heslop said many people chose to do both.
“We had some people even do the walk after they rode,” Ms Heslop said.
“This is something that the community has done together.
“Each one of us can turn to the person next to us and give them a pat on the back.
“This town has paid for the machine to go ahead.
“People really reached deep down into their pockets and donated, and times are tough at the moment.”
Ms Heslop’s husband Stephen Heslop said he was happy to see the amount of people he saw participate in the event.
“I’d say the oldest rider was around 75 years old, and the youngest being six years old.”
The event’s mascot Pink Pedal spoke at the event thanking everyone for their support.
“In closing may I again say a big thank you to each and every person that has worked so very hard in the past weeks to make this day and to all the wonderful people of Swan Hill and district who have not only supported today but have made me feel so welcomed to your beautiful town,” she said.
Pink Pedal also announced her engagement and hoped next year’s event would be the “Pink and Blue Pedal Ride” to raise money for both men and women touched by cancer in the region.
