The third annual NSW Police Legacy Ride saw dedicated cyclists embark on a gruelling three-day 300km ride departing from the Wall of Remembrance in Sydney’s Domain and finishing at the National Police Wall of Remembrance in Canberra.
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Established in 1987, Legacy was initially founded to support the bereaved families following the loss of their loved ones. The support now extends to include police officers and their families experiencing challenging times in their lives. The ‘police family’ has grown to include not only families suffering from loss and grief, but those experiencing misfortune that require extra support.
In 2014, over 60 riders took to the roads raising a record breaking $61,000 for NSW Police Legacy. The 2015 bike ride sported over 100 riders for NSW Police Legacy and raised in excess of $100,000.
Day one: The boys in blue started the ride at 6.30am in treacherous conditions, support crews on the ground described them as rainy, windy and cold. They arrived in Mittagong at approximately 3pm tired but with high spirits after the first 100km.
Day two: The riders were in good spirits, with the promise of improving conditions. Australian cycling royalty Brad McGee was eagerly greeted by riders to complete the remaining 200km.
Local support driver on the ground, Sergeant Tom Lawless, updated the Tribune about the wager that Emergency Manager Officer Paul Lloyd would be in the support bus by midday. However, tride and true to form, Lloyd pressed on and completed the next 100km, coasting into Goulburn at around 3pm, wide eyed and smiling.
At this stage the ride had raised over $95k, just short of the $100k target.
Day 3: Began at 7.30am and although all the riders were ragged, they pressed on for the final 100km. The Police Chaplin joined the group for the last leg of the journey. Unable to mask their elation, they rolled into the ACT borders despite the weather and finished at the National Police Wall of Remembrance in Canberra by 2pm.
The combined total raised for this year's ride was over $100,000 - an enormous feat for the contributing officers and their families.
Paul Lloyd said he was over the moon with the result.
“People can still donate, a lot of the accounts will be open for six months,” he said.
Mr Lloyd said the camaraderie that was forged on the ride was also a huge part of the event.
“Often you deal with heavy work loads, the ride was about releasing the stress and getting down to core values and forming bonds from different parts of the state,” he said.
“We have a transient population, but the ride has made it all the more personal and it has been important to get to know these people.”
Mr Lloyd said that he wants to spread the word about what Police Legacy is doing and create further fundraisers to support the cause.
“The Southern Region Emergency Management Officers have already been talking about all signing up for next year.
“We were really grateful to the support crews and the guys that do things behind the scenes. A final thanks those who supported us during the ride.”
The money raised will also contribute to the commitment to building on the care and support of serving and retired police officers and their families during times of tragedy and need with financial assistance, emotional support and networking opportunities so they are never forgotten.
