IT's ironic that Adrian Bolton's dad didn't like motorbikes, yet Adrian uses his to help fundraise for improved health services in the region.
It also is ironic that Adrian was wearing his Wayne Leonard's Motorcycle Muster t-shirt to visit his dad in Cairns Hospital and saw a piece of equipment he had helped fundraise for, the year before.
“Even though it was a really bad situation for our family and my Dad, it was great in a way to see the equipment that we worked to help provide,” Mr Bolton said. “I would have preferred to have not been in the situation to see that equipment, but it was great to know that it was there for him and others,” he said.
“I've loved motorbikes ever since I could recognise what one was, but my Dad didn't like them and I only got my license to ride just before I did my first Muster in 2014.”
He has signed up for his third Wayne Leonard's Motorcycle Muster this year, after doing the first to show support for his father-in-law's cancer battle.
“It's great to raise funds for a good, local cause, but it's also enjoyable – you get to meet new people and check out their bikes and have a weekend on the open road,” Mr Bolton said.
This year, participants in the ride are aiming to raise $60,000 to provide two pieces of life saving equipment in Cairns Hospital's Emergency Department – a video laryngoscope which improves patient safety during intubation, and a non-invasive ventilator that reduces the rate of intubation.
Hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, the ride celebrates 15 years of riding to raise money in 2016. Participants will head to Mission Beach via the scenic Atherton Tableland on June 18-19 this year.
Foundation CEO Tony Franz, who always participates in the ride himself, said it has contributed more than $700, 000 towards improved health outcomes since its inception in 2002.
“Wayne and Rhonda Leonard are long time supporters of the Foundation and the local community and we are grateful to have their family so closely involved with this premier fundraising event for health care in the region,” Mr Franz said.
“Every cent raised goes directly to the cause intended and stays local to help local families,” he said.
For further information visit www.motorcyclemuster.com.au.
