THE past 26 years of one Mildura man’s life could not have been possible without a generous donation, and he now plans to ride around Australia to honour it.
At 65 years old, Brian Thomas has embarked on the journey of a lifetime.
But 26 years ago this could not have been possible.
Suffering from a hereditary form of polycystic kidney disease, which has also affected four of his cousins and one sister, he had a kidney transplant in 1988.
Following on from help he received from Kidney Health Australia, and in honour of the donor and their family and the extra years of life he has lived, he will undertake an epic journey.
Now retired, he will spend 12 months travelling Australia — with an aim to reach every state — raising money for the organisation.
He will be accompanied by his best friend Bingo — a west highland white terrier with plenty of character, just like his namesake.
“He is just a part of me — he likes being the centre of attention,” Mr Thomas said.
“The trip will give me the chance to see the country and go to a lot of places I haven’t seen before.”
He will initially look to raise $16,000, but plans to go much further.
Mr Thomas will be fundraising in Swan Hill over the next three days, spending today outside Safeway, Thursday near Coles and Friday at another location in the CBD.
Alternatively, you can donate online to give.everydayhero.com/au/brianthomas
