A couple of long-time cycling mates with the common goal of supporting mental health in rural communities are joining forces to fundraise for the cause.
Local beekeeper, landscaper, photographer and mental health advocate Dick Moloney, who used to ride with cyclist Jo Perry, has donated a framed photo of Mt Lindesay to boost fundraising efforts.
Jo is raising money for mental health support programs for regional Queenslanders through the upcoming RideWest – a 1311km biennial bike ride from Amberley to Longreach.
From 22 – 29 April, Jo will do the charity ride to help the Royal Flying Doctor Service bridge the gap in providing mental health support in regional areas of Queensland.
It will be Jo’s second time, and she hopes to match the $5000 she fundraised in 2020.
The sizeable Mt Lindesay print, locally framed by Peter Williams, will be on display at Bean To? Café in Beaudesert, where Jo and her cycling mates often go for a cuppa after a ride.
Dick has started bidding for his photo at $300, in addition to $500 he and wife Annette Moloney already donated through the sale of his Scenic Rim Blue Tree Honey.
Jo, who grew up near Mt Lindesay, said she was blown away by their generosity.
“I was pretty overwhelmed; the whole connection is just amazing. It’s the same cause, the whole Mt Lindesay thing, we’ve known each other for years, cycled together,” she said.
“It was just a really generous offer.”
Dick said it was a cause close to his heart.
“I know Jo and her fellow cyclists are riding to support the mental health work of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and Scenic Rim Blue Tree Honey is all about that,” he said.
Over the last 12 years, RideWest has raised more than $1.4m for the RFDS to deliver its Wellbeing Out West program. To bid on the photograph, phone Dick on 0428 524 443 or follow Scenic Rim Blue Tree Honey on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Scenicrimbluetree-honey
