MEDIA: Bike Rides for a Cause

During the Covid-19 pandemic, it became very apparent that mental health was an issue on the rise, with many people of all walks of life expierencing some form of detriorated mental health. These two young men, Jack Whelan and Jack McBride, decided to take on the issue of mental health and raise money for charities that support members of their community who are suffering from mental illness. Coincedentally, both men chose to challenge themselves with a bike ride in order to raise the funds.

In March-April 2021, 23-year-old Jack McBride, will cycle over 800 km from the Central Coast to Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, to raise awareness and funds for brain injury rehabilitation and for all those who have been impacted by mental health issues. McBride has chosen for the funds he raises to go to Central Coast ARAFMI, who have promoted mental health and well-being for whole families for over 40 years.

McBride wants to raise $5,000 for this charity that means so much to him.

Jack Whelan's ride is planned for October and will span 2017km over 13 days, taking from Melbourne to Noosa. Whelan has decided to split the funds he raises between Multiple Sclerosis Limited and Outside The Locker Room. Whelan chose Multiple Sclorosis in memory of his cousin who was diagnosed with the disease, and Outside the Locker Room was chosen to give people the tools and strategies to deal with the very real issues that come with depression and anxiety.

Whelan has already raised almost $110,000 to be split evenly between the two causes he cares about the most.

Read more about Jack McBride's story at Coast Community News

Read more about Jack Whelan's story at Riverine Herald