Wind wheels … Keilor’s Peter James will take to the road in his tricycle to raise money for MS. 58946 Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Belinda Nolan
The Keilor resident may have difficulty walking, but he has no trouble getting around on three wheels.
The 59-year-old suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), osteoporosis and diabetes. However, he refuses to let the diseases slow him down for a second, let alone stop him.
Life is a daily struggle for Mr James, who battles symptoms including neuropathic pain, memory loss, leg weakness and cognitive problems.
But despite the hurdles he faces, Mr James still manages to lead an active life and even finds the strength to help others.
A keen rider, Mr James has become a common sight in Keilor Village, cycling around 18 kilometres each day in his specially modified tricycle.
Since 2005, he has cycled more than 20,000 kilometres, including a stint of 102 kilometres in a single day.
Now, he’s planning on getting his wheels spinning for a good cause. Mr James will ride in the annual Melbourne Summer Cycle event next month to raise vital funds for MS research.
The community crusader has been taking part in the ride since 2008 and has single-handedly raised more than $45,000 for the charity.
So far this year, he has raised a staggering $15,000, making him the leading fundraiser for the event.
Mr James has formed a team, dubbed Keilor Cares, with riders from across Brimbank banding together to support his mission. But it’s not Mr James’ only fundraising effort.
In November last year, he took part in the Great Victorian Bike Ride, travelling a gruelling 596 kilometres in eight days from Yarrawonga to Marysville.
Despite his success, Mr James remains humble about his achievements.
He knows only too well how easy it would have been to give up the fight when he was first diagnosed with the incurable disease.
“I did struggle quite a bit and I found myself on a downward spiral,” Mr James said.
“I was in a bad way and I realised I had to do something to pull myself out of it – or I’d end up in a wheelchair.
“My main focus has always been to raise awareness and provide support for MS, because there are a lot of people worse off than I am and they need my help.”
Anyone wishing to join the ride or sponsor Mr James can email pjz20@bigpond.com or visit www.melbournesummercycle.org.au.
