Central West champion cyclist Mark Renshaw has signed on as ambassador for an annual charity cycling event to support country children requiring access to specialist health services.
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The ten-time Tour de France rider and top sprinter will take part in the 2021 Ride for Country Kids event. A three-day, 400 kilometre journey from Dubbo to Cobar.
Starting on May 2 in Dubbo, the riders will cycle to Narromine and Nyngan, before finishing in Cobar on May 4.
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As Ride Ambassador, Mr Renshaw's cycling-royalty profile will help the Royal Far West to raise awareness and vital funds to support country kids to access the health care they need to reach their full potential.
"Coming from country NSW, I'm really looking forward to being a part of the Ride for Country Kids 2021 and partnering with Royal Far West to support kids in rural and remote areas to get the help they need," he said.
In the last year, Royal Far West had seen a significant increase in the demand for its services. Currently 156 children from rural and remote NSW are waiting to access the charity's Paediatric Developmental Program (PDP).
The program is designed for children with complex developmental and mental health challenges to stay for a week at Royal Far West in Manly with their family.
Each child will have access to a multidisciplinary team that includes a child psychiatrist, psychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, social worker, dietician and oral health services, to understand what developmental and mental health issues a child is facing, and provide an assessment and pathway forward.
Royal Far West relies on funds raised from donors and supporters from events such as the Ride to help fund the program.
Royal Far West's CEO Lindsay Cane AM said they were thrilled to have Mr Renshaw join the ream, and raising $450,000 would help fund all 156 places on the PDP waitlist.
"Being hit with drought, bushfires, COVID-19 and floods, country areas are doing it tougher than ever, and more families and communities are needing our help," she said.
"All funds raised will support the developmental and mental health of children and their families in rural and remote communities."
Visit rideforcountrykids.com.au to donate.
