The need to support those who are left behind after a traumatic incident has inspired a controversial AFL umpire to set off on a challenging ride across Victoria.
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‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain, is tackling the 850km, six day challenge with Australian cycling legend Phil Anderson and a team of 18 other riders. They reached the halfway point in Port Campbell on Wednesday.
Now in it’s fifth year, the ‘Razor Ride’ works to raise money for the GriefLine national telephone counselling service for people who have lost a loved one.
“Our goal is to raise $100,000 to support mental health services for children suffering the effects of grief or loss,” Mr Chamberlain said.
“Statistics say globally there is a suicide every 40 seconds, so every 41 seconds there is an entire network of family and friends left to try and make sense of it.
“That’s where organisations such as GriefLine are so important so we don’t get a domino effect.
“They do great work,” he said.
Starting in Ballarat, riders have made stops at Halls Gap, Port Fairy and Port Campbell.
Their next leg runs from Port Campbell to Wye River, and then Rye, before finishing in Melbourne on Saturday.
While riders were travelling well, the riding had been tough with a headwind for two days.
“It was a very tough day,” Mr Chamberlain said. “I think it was really good for the group because they came together and supported each one another which is an integral part of what we are trying to be about this week.”
Phil Anderson said that everyone on the ride was embracing the challenge and travelling well.
“I try and give them a few tricks of the trade, and the little one percenters, that might not mean too much on day one but by the end of the week they will be thanking me,” he said.
Donations to the Razor Ride can be made at Everyday Hero.
If you need support you can contact LifeLine on 13 11 14, or GriefLine on (03) 9935 7400.
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