Last Saturday a dedicated group of jet skiers called Barham home for the night as they made their way from Albury to Goolwa in South Australia to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Dubbed the Big Ride 25 it is also hoping to create greater awareness of the disease.
Lasting 10 days and traversing three states, riders have joined the trip at various stages and the group estimates that by the end of the ride more than 50 riders will have participated.
As they make their way down the Murray, the group is hosting a range of events to promote the MND associations and the support needed to care for family members, especially in remote areas.
Founder of the ride, Brendon Henman, came up with the idea to combine his love of the Murray River, and his desire to explore it, with a cause that was dear to his heart due to the recent loss of his mother-in-law through MND.
Mr Henman said that the loss of his wife’s mother, Anthea, after a two year battle with the disease was very difficult on those around her, as a family, not being able to access adequate support, care, knowledge and resources.
“Although there is hope for a cure, we are looking at 20 to 50 years away, but until that point there is care for the patients that needs to be dealt with. That is what we are trying to achieve,” Mr Henman said.
“Many of the riders who are riding with us on the trip have been affected in various ways with family members or people they know with MND.
“My mother-in-law only received 10 hours a week in nursing care from the government, but she needed 24 hours care, seven days a week, so that is why we are trying to raise some funds to help families.
“The ride is a lot of fun for us, but the underlying message is live every day.
“It is not something that affects the elderly, that is a gross misconception, people from the ages of 28 or 29.”
While they are traveling the river they are working with the local communities along the way and camping at local sporting clubs, racing clubs, show grounds and a Brewery.
In Barham they stayed at the Barham/Koondrook cricket club oval and the club provided a great casserole for the riders and their support teams.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 17 April 2025.
