Andrew Overton, Narelle Sanford, Michael Sanford and Jeff Bennett … raising funds for Epilepsy Action Australia

March 24, 2014

Youth worker Michael Sanford, accompanied by fellow riders, mounted his pushbike this morning in Kingaroy to begin an epic three-day ride around the South Burnett to raise funds for charity.

Michael, who has epilepsy, is raising money for a cause close to his soul, Epilepsy Action Australia.

His initial fundraising goal was $4000 but as he has already raised $3580 he may be pushing this even higher.

He will pedal his way to Kumbia, Ellesmere, Brooklands, Pimpimbudgee, Maidenwell, Blackbutt, Yarraman, Nanango, Goomeri, Murgon and Wondai before heading back to Kingaroy, timing his arrival for Purple Day (March 26), an international day for epilepsy awareness.

Michael is being assisted in his endeavour by his employer, South Burnett CTC, who hosted a breakfast this morning at the Kingaroy Youth park to launch the riders on their journey.

CTC staff members have also been raising funds to assist the cause.

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A Charity Night to raise more funds will be held on Saturday (March 29) at Kingaroy Town Hall.

Tickets are $30 each (or $500 for two tables of 10 people).  This will include a three-course meal and live music by local singer Lloyd Back. A licensed bar will be operating and there’ll also be a trivia competition and silent auction.

Tickets can be booked by phoning Kiaya Armstrong on 0401-616-920.

Donations to support Michael can be made on the Everyday Hero website

Michael will also be posting on Facebook during the ride.

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UPDATE: March 26 – Michael and his fellow riders are now safely back home

Michael Sanford, second from left, with his family … from left, wife Karli, daughter Summer, 11 weeks;  parents Deb and Peter Leech, from Tasmania, and son Hayden, 2

Damon,9, and Christeena Strauf with rider Andrew Overton

Isaiah Colonel, 14, and Dekeem Cobbo, 11 were watching the riders
Cheering on the riders … Ben Bowden, Crystal Klease, Justin Ryan and Sharon Wilson

CTC Board members Marc Reinbott, Nina Temperton and John Box

Support crew drivers Deb Leech, left, and Daniel Georgetown, right, with rider Jeff Bennett
Piper, 7; Paige, 9; and Krysty Connelly, from Kingaroy, with Narelle Sanford, from Nanango … the Connellys turned up to cheer on the riders
South Burnett CTC staff cooked up breakfast for a $5 donation to help raise funds