BOB Ison looks like a big tough, scarey bikie dude. But underneath the leather jacket there’s a passionate fundraiser.
Bob and his wife Peta are taking part in the 17th annual Wayne Leonard’s Motorcycle Muster this weekend.
And for the first time, they are being joined by their son Neal, his wife and two children – making it three generations of Ison’s to fundraise together.
They have been taking part in the fundraising motorcycle ride since 2009 and have only missed one year in that time. “I started off with a Harley custom sporty and then I had my Fatboy but now I’ve got a Roadking. We’ve only got five motorbikes between us,” Mr Ison said.
“What I really like about the Muster is the camaraderie and that you meet different people from all walks of life. And fundraising for the hospital is pretty important. I enjoy doing something for the community and knowing that we are helping people close to us,” Mr Ison said.
This year’s Muster is fundraising for EEG equipment at Cairns Hospital and will head to Undara Lava Tubes this weekend. Cairns Hospital Neurologist Dr Ian Wilson said the latest EEG imaging equipment would provide substantially improved high resolution cameras, screens and software with the latest recording technology available.
“The EEG equipment is used to monitor people with epilepsy and other brain conditions in our clinics, but also in Emergency and ICU to assess brain activity in unconscious patients, including after traumatic brain injury,” Dr Wilson said.
“Patients having repeated, unexplained events may undergo day-long (sometimes over several days) EEG testing to ‘catch’ the event and determine if the brain activity changes and is abnormal during the event, while others simply have a “snapshot” 30 minute recording of brain wave activity,” he said.
Foundation CEO Tony Franz said it was hoped to buy two EEG’s at a total cost of $70,000. “There is a lot of excitement among the riders about this trip,” Mr Franz said.
Himself a participant, Mr Franz said the ride had not been to Undara for several years, and it was sure to be a fun and enjoyable weekend. “The people who take part in this event do so for the right reasons – because they are passionate about supporting health services in this region,” Mr Franz said. So far about 43 people are registered to take part.
The Wayne Leonard’s Motorcycle Muster will head to Undara Lava Tubes October 20-21. All vehicles and motorcycles are welcome to take part. Visit HERE to donate.
