Moree locals to take part in global fundraising phenomenon
Moree locals Mark Simpson and Phil Strahan will take part in a global fundraising phenomenon, when they jump on their trusty rides next month and help raise awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health.
Mark and Phil will ride in the Stanthorpe leg of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which has raised more than $30 million since 2012 in 115 countries around the world.
The global ride is held on Sunday, May 22, and Phil and Mark are asking sponsors to dig deep and support their cause.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was established in Australia 10 years ago by event manager Mark Hawwa, when 3000 riders in 64 countries donned their finest suits and gentlemanly attire and took to the open road.
Phil Strahan and his trusty Honda Shadow 1100 Bobber, his ride in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (image supplied).
The event has since seen 340,000 riders take part.
Mark said his participation in the worldwide event started with the ‘accidental’ purchase of a 1987 Yamaha XJ900 four years ago.
“The purchase of the original bike truly was accidental,” Mark said.
“My ever-patient wife laughs and rolls her eyes when we talk about it, but it came about by me putting a pity bid in, on an eBay sale that I thought the poor seller was taking a beating on.
“I honestly thought I’d just help bump up the price up him. Needless to say, next morning I woke up to an email congratulating me on my purchase,” he laughed.
Mark said taking part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has been a personal goal since restoration of the Yamaha XJ900 began in 2018, when he corralled a few of his mates to give him a hand.
“The wiring is all but done. It was a magnificent feeling when I hit the start button and heard the bike roar to life. After four years, it barely missed a beat,” Mark said.
Mark Simpson will ride his fully-restored 1987 Yamaha XJ900 in the Stanthorpe leg of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (image supplied).
Phil, who will ride a Honda Shadow 1100 Bobber, said men’s health is a serious issue.
“Men die on average six years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons,” Phil said. “The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that.”
“Before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I’m asking people to join us in raising funds and awareness for these causes and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.”
Mark says men’s mental health and prostate cancer are issues with which many people have had close experiences.
“It’s a worthy cause, and I’m looking forward to enjoying all my hard work, enjoying the bond of brotherhood, and being a little dapper while doing it,” he smiled.
To sponsor Phil go to: https://www.gentlemansride.com/fundraiser/PhilStrahan437401
To sponsor Mark go to: https://www.gentlemansride.com/fundraiser/MarkSimpson430997
