General News
5 September, 2022
Locals tick off 500 km challenge for charity
Locals Kate Ashton and Graeme Leach have ticked off a huge accomplishment, raising more than $35,000 and cycling over 500 kilometres in Thailand, all in the name of charity. This is the second time Kate, who is a sales manager with Maryborough...
Locals Kate Ashton and Graeme Leach have ticked off a huge accomplishment, raising more than $35,000 and cycling over 500 kilometres in Thailand, all in the name of charity.
This is the second time Kate, who is a sales manager with Maryborough Ballarat Real Estate, has taken on the challenge with Digital Live — a cycling group of real estate professionals and affiliates raising money for charity organisation Hands Across the Water.
This year’s team of 20 from Australia, Sweden, Denmark and Norway cycled 535 kilometres across Thailand at the end of August and together raised $155,000 — $37,000 of which came from Kate and Graeme’s fundraising efforts.
“It was very physically and mentally challenging, but we knew we were doing it for a reason and our friends and families were supporting us and that was amazing,” Kate said.
“I’d forgotten how many hills there were and how much riding over 100 kilometres consecutively hurts. You can’t quite replicate it at home.
“Summer in Australia is such a dry heat and we’ve got hills, but in Thailand you have humidity, highways, pot holes, chickens and dogs to avoid.”
Funds raised by the cyclists help enrich the lives of kids and communities in Thailand, as Hands Across the Water supports hundreds of children living in seven homes and projects, providing homes, food education and employment opportunities.
Despite the physical challenges, Kate said it’s a rewarding experience.
“We got to see the real Thailand, most of the areas we go through don’t see tourists,” she said.
“Every day we were reminded of how small we are in the big world, and how going out of your comfort zone to help others is so rewarding — whether that’s overseas or at home volunteering in our community.”
Donations are still being accepted via www.handsacrossthewater. org.au/fundraisers/KateAshton or www.handsacrossthewater.org.au/fundraisers/graemeleach
Kate and Graeme have already committed to next year’s ride, with more fundraising efforts to start soon.
