Les Porter is riding his tricycle 1000kms around Wyndham to raise money for the Salvation Army. 69721 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By Alesha Capone
AN extraordinary man is giving Wyndham residents 1000 reasons to thank him, as he plans an epic journey to raise funds for charity.
Last week, Hoppers Crossing resident Les Porter officially launched the ‘Wyndham 1000’- a tricycle trek which will see him pedal 1000 kilometres around the municipality to raise money for the local Salvation Army.
Mr Porter, who was hit by a car when he crossed a Yarraville road in 1987, sustained an acquired brain injury which left him with balance problems, which is why he rides a tricycle rather than a bike.
“I spent five months in hospital, I physically couldn’t get out of bed, and I spent the next two years in rehab,” he said.
Before the accident, Mr Porter had been married only eight weeks to wife Margaret and he lost four weeks’ memory after the car hit him.
The Salvation Army volunteers and officers who visited the hospital inspired Mr Porter to join the not-for-profit group and he became the Wyndham City Council Volunteer of the Year in 2007.
Last year he rode his tricycle, donated by Wyndham Rotary Club, on another trek which raised just over $7000 for the Salvation Army.
“Riding for the Salvation Army is for the community, we are out there for the community and engaging the community and giving them the chance to take part in something,” Mr Porter said.
During last year’s ride, students from Wyndham schools joined him during parts of the journey.
“These things for me make the ride worthwhile, apart from fundraising, they inspire me,” he said.
Mr Porter credited his ability to get on with life after the road accident and be a good father to his two daughters with “three words, positive mental attitude”.
“I said that in hospital, and I kept saying it. You can still do good for yourself and the community, you still have abilities you can use,” he said.
“That’s my philosophy: always look on the bright side of life.”
The Wyndham 1000 will begin 29 October at the Werribee Plaza and conclude with a fundraising cabaret dinner and auction on 19 November at the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre.
To purchase tickets or donate to Mr Porter’s cause, see www.wyndham1000.org.au, contact 9741 7434 or visit the Salvation Army, 211 Watton St, Werribee. The Wyndham 1000 is sponsored by Werribee Plaza, the TAC, Edumazing and is supported by Wyndham City Council.
