RICHARD Shaw doesn’t have a motorbike license, but he still bought two tickets to win a new Harley-Davidson from one of his workmates.
Muster participant Dan Rayner sold the tickets as part of his fundraising efforts in this year’s Wayne Leonard’s Motorcycle Muster.
The event, which has been running for 17 years, was this year raising money for new EEG equipment at Cairns Hospital’s neurology department.
“When Dan sold me the tickets I thought it was a good cause even though I’ve never owned a motorbike,” Mr Shaw said.
Lo and behold, one of his two tickets, was drawn as the winner – drawn randomly by computer at the celebration night this year held during the weekend event at Undara Lava Tubes.
“I really don’t need a motorbike so I’m planning to sell it and donate part of the proceeds back to the Foundation,” he said.
The Muster, hosted by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, raised more than $54, 000 this year – meaning the event has now raised $947, 000 since it first began.
Foundation fundraising and event coordinator Gaby Thomasz said Mr Shaw’s thoughtfulness was very generous.
“Our top fundraiser this year was Geoff Nielson, ably assisted by his mate Bob Ison, who sold more than 70 books of tickets and raised $7142,” Ms Thomasz said. “It was nice to see the top fundraising prize go to Geoff who has had some medical hardship himself and we appreciate everyone’s work in fundraising so hard,” she said.
“We’d also like to pay special tribute to Wayne and Rhonda Leonard, who are truly community spirited people and put themselves out to help others, year after year.
“We’d like to thank everyone who bought a ticket, everyone who sold a ticket and everyone who donated because they have all helped make a difference to health care in our region.”
Photo: (top) Foundation fundraising and marketing manager, Muster participant Dan Rayner, Rhonda Leonard, bike winner Richard Shaw and Wayne Leonard. Above: Richard Shaw tries the new Harley-Davidson blackiron out for size.
