May 19, 2014
Anyone who knows Kingaroy woman Josie Potter knows just how determined she is.
Despite having multiple sclerosis, Josie has taken part in three Brissie To The Bay Bike rides to raise funds for MS Queensland.
In 2011 she rode 10km, in 2012 it was 25km, and in 2013 she made 50km.
This year she is aiming to do the 25km ride again, but it’s no backdown. In fact, it will be an incredible feat considering in September last year Josie was in hospital in a critical condition with many fearing she would not live.
She now calls that her “big speedbump”.
“I realise how very fortunate I am, not just to be alive but also to be progressing and returning to a normal life again,” she said recently.
“God bless the doctors and staff of the Royal Brisbane ICU and Neurosurgery units.
“They are trully fantastic people who know their stuff! In fact I am progressing so well, that my neurosurgeon has given me permission to ride my bike again.”
The Brissie To The Bay is Brisbane’s largest charity bike ride. It will be held on Sunday, June 22, with riders tackling either 10km, 25km, 50km or 100km courses.
Josie will once again be riding with her team, the Kingaroy Cruisers.
“I invite any keen, or even semi-keen, cyclist to join us and ride in this event,” Josie said.
“It’s not that difficult (proven by the fact that I can do it!)”
If you can’t ride with Josie, she’s hoping her supporters will visit the Kingaroy Cruisers’ page on the Brissie To The Bay website to sponsor her team.
“Help me to raise much-needed funds to help support fellow Queenslanders who suffer from this debilitating disease, so that hopefully, some time in the not too distant future we can help to find both the ’cause’ and the ‘cure’ for this illness and stop future generations from having to suffer it,” Josie said.
“I know it’s been a difficult year for many, but if you can spare even a few dollars, it will be most appreciated.
“As always, all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt immediately after you make your donation.”
Josie has also organised a walk at Inverlaw to raise funds. This will be held on June 8. More information can be found here.
And at the moment, she can also be spotted around Kingaroy selling tickets in a quilt raffle, another MS fundraiser.
It’s hard to imagine that just eight months ago Josie was negotiating her “speedbump” in hospital …
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