By Justin Flynn
Claudia Murry is just like most teenage girls, except for one thing.
The 13-year-old Ocean Grover has Dejerine Sottas Syndrome, but that’s not what sets her apart from other kids her age.
Claudia has a fascination with motorcycles, in particular those that annually attend the Geelong Toy Run.
You will find Claudia at the front of her aunt’s house in Portarlington every year to see the bikes cruise past.
She loves the sound and pretty much everything about them.
In 2016 Claudia met Geelong Toy Run rider Brendan Marretta when he stopped to say hi. In 2017 he gave her a movie voucher for Christmas.
Claudia wanted to return the favour during 2018’s ride, but after searching at Portarlington and Queenscliff she couldn’t find Brendan, as he had other commitments.
But Claudia found Brendan on social media and sent his daughter Zarah a voucher for Christmas, which Zarah used to buy a new bag for when she starts school this year.
The act inspired Brendan and wife Helen to organise a ride for Claudia.
Riders from all over Geelong flocked to participate in Ride Around the Bellarine for Claudia.
About 25 motorcycles headed off on a loop around the peninsula, but there was a catch – Claudia didn’t know.
The riders set off and made a pit stop out the front of Claudia’s house in Ocean Grove.
To say Claudia was surprised is an understatement.
“Claudia never is short of something to say but the turnout and the chance to ride on a bike made her speechless,” mum Jonique said.
Brendan then took Claudia and Jonique on a memorable ride on his three-wheel motorcycle.
“The first thing Claudia said at the end of the ride was ‘that’s the most fun I’ve ever had’ and told her stepdad Nick that he needed to go out and get a trike,” Jonique said.
“Words cannot describe the gratitude (we) have for Brendan, wife Helen, daughter Zarah and all the participants that made this an everlasting memory.
Brendan himself is a saint and an amazing individual.”
