Peter James has found a way to stay active and raise money for a cure. 76978 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By Laura Wakely
KEILOR’S Peter James is cycling his way to a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).
The 60-year-old is taking part in his fifth MS Melbourne Cycle, which will see thousands get on their bikes to raise funds for MS Australia.
MS is a disease affecting the central nervous system that can interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses throughout the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
Peter knows the effects of the disease better than most, having been diagnosed in 1995. A regular runner, basket baller and windsurfer, he realised something was wrong when he began tripping on runs and letting the basketball slip through his fingers. Initially, he attempted to hide the disease, always “afraid of the glass ceiling”, but the MS continued to progress and eventually Peter was forced to retire.
“I can remember when I was first diagnosed… my doctor said I’ll have a cure for this in 10 years,” Peter said.
“Well, here we are 18 years later, and it’s still not the case and so it’s (a cure) a long way off.”
Determined to get his mobility back, Peter began riding a purpose-built tricycle.
“Initially, I could hardly ride out of the end of the street, but I just kept doing a little more,” he said. Now, he’s a regular on the Great Victorian Bike Ride and has taken part in the MS Cycle for five years.
This year, the team is doing it again and has already raised from than $15,000 with just 20 members.
Peter said 94 cents off every dollar raised through the ride will go towards research and services for MS.
The 46-kilometre ride starts and finishes at Princes Park in Carlton, taking riders through the city, over the Westgate Bridge, into Williamstown and back up Racecourse Rd.
To join or sponsor the Keilor Cares team or to find out more about the event, contact www.msmelbournecycle.org.au
