By Justin Flynn
When friends of Peter Herrick lost their little girl Lara to SIDS in 2019, it made him realise just how fragile life can be.
Lara was the same age as Peter’s daughter and it seemed like a logical step to do something about it.
Last year he organised a 20km walk from Geelong to Lara, which raised $1000, but this year he wanted to do something bigger.
“Lara’s parents have honoured her with charity events for SIDS in the UK ever since,” Peter said.
“In 2021, we decided we wanted to do our part to honour her, so we held our own fundraiser on Australian soil.”
So this year Peter, along with some mates, decided to up their game and do a bike ride around the Bellarine to help raise funds for Red Nose Day, which falls on August 13.
Peter, from Lara, and 13 other cyclists will begin and end their 110km journey at Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (OGSLSC), taking in Geelong and the Bellarine along the way.
The riders will travel into Geelong from Ocean Grove and then out to Drysdale, Portarlington, St Leonards, Queenscliff and then back to Ocean Grove.
They were initially hoping to raise $5000 but have eclipsed that with the tally currently standing at $7305.
The revised goal is now $10,000.
“I’m just blown away by the community support,” Peter said.
“Lately it feels like it’s (Red Nose Day) fallen by the wayside and I’m proud to bring it back.
“The severity of what this is. It doesn’t seem to be on the radar as much despite it’s still a massive issue in our society and we need to give children the opportunity to live a long healthy life.”
None of the 14 riders are experts.
“I hadn’t got on the bike for a long time up until February this year,” Peter said.
“I’m doing a fair bit now, but I’m very much an amateur rider.
“None of the riders are expert riders. Everyone does it occasionally or two or three times a week.
“It’s going to be a challenge for some guys. There’s varying ages and abilities of fitness.
“But we’re not racing, we’re very much staying together the whole time.”
Peter said OGSLSC is keen to make it an annual event.
“Red Nose Australia are also very excited with what we are doing,” he said.
The 2022 ride event has seen sponsors from across the state come on board to lend a hand, from small start-up bakeries donating Ride the Bellarine for SIDS cookies, to major mortgage brokers all digging deep to support the cause.
Following the Ride the Bellarine for SIDS completion, OGSLSC and ride organisers will host a charity auction and raffle featuring thousands of dollars in signed sporting memorabilia, boutique beer and wine up for auction, all to go under the hammer.
Go to rednoseday.org.au/fundraisers/peterherrick/fundraiser for more information or to donate.
