Local Armidale man John Hiscox was so taken by the plight of Rachel Rohrlach and her family from Bundarra when he read their story in the Independent last Wednesday that he and good mate Victor Moar have leapt into action, organising a charity bike ride from Armidale to Bundarra this Sunday, June 10.
Rachel is now a quadriplegic after suffering a severe stroke 20 years ago while pregnant with her first son and a day after becoming engaged to Bundarra farmer, Chris Rohrlach. Tragedy struck the Rohlrach family again this year when her husband Chris died from a severe heart attack.
The fundraising is to assist the Rohrlach Family to purchase a rear wheelchair-access van to facilitate transportation for Rachel.
In only two days John and Victor have raised well over $2000 for the Rohrlach family and will present a cheque after the conclusion of their bike ride at the fundraising event organisied by the Bundarra community to be held at the Bundarra Golf Club on Sunday, June 10.
“I saw the story about Rachel on the front page of the Independent and thought that we could do something to help,” said John Hiscox.
“Victor has come on board to ride with me to Bundarra and others who were unable to ride because of the long weekend have donated money and got us off to a good start.
“I expect the ride to take us about four hours and we will cover about 85 kms.”
The boys are asking for a $100 donation for anyone who would like to join them on the ride on Sunday and cyclists would need to be able to ride at least 20kms an hour to keep up.
If anyone would like to donate to the Rohrlach family appeal, cash donations can be deposited direct to the Bundarra Lions Club account BSB 062 556 – account number: 0090 5998 or contact John Hiscox on 0412 659 375 and he will come and pick up your donation.
Meanwhile, a 54-minute documentary on the Rohrlach family’s trials and tribulations will be broadcast on ABC TV1. Entitled “A Good Man”, the program will be aired at 11.30pm on Thursday, June 14.
Story: Jo Harrison
