FOR the second consecutive year , Ferntree Gully's Chris Waixel will cycle for 24 hours to raise money for a young girl severely affected by cerebral palsy.
Several teams of cyclists will ride 520 kilometres with Mr Waixel as part of The Murray to Moyne Cycle Race on March 31-April 1.
The Ride 4 Georgia team is seeking sponsors and monetary donations that will go towards equipment that Georgia Mackie of Lilydale can use at her mainstream school.
Last year, the riders raised more than $8000 for a DynaVox, a computerised, touch-screen device that enables Georgia to communicate with other people.
This year, the team hopes to raise more than $12,000 for the seven year old. This money would be used for an iPad, specialised table, arm and leg wraps, a Flux walker, therapy costs and a standing frame so Georgia can take part in activities like painting.
Mr Waixel met Georgia's father Ken through a friend. Since learning about Georgia's condition, he has been committed to supporting the Mackie family, and the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre. "I saw how it affected my mate, and I just wanted to be able to help them out."
Mr Waixel and his fellow riders train in Ferntree Gully on weekends, although there won't be as many hills during the gruelling event. "The ride is very flat in areas like Echuca and Port Fairy, but it will be extremely windy."
Mr Mackie said the money was "an incredible help" for his family, because as Georgia grew, her equipment needed to be updated.
"It's taken that worry away from us. We don't have to worry about constantly having to find that money. Chris commits to it each year; it's amazing."
Donations: http://ride4georgia.gofundraise.com.au/page/Ride4Georgia
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