Ashley Walsh says his son Jacob is his greatest inspiration.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Jacob’s disability has never stopped him from making the most out of life, says Walsh.
“He never complains,” his dad says. “He takes everything in his stride and tries new things, like all kids do.”
This month the father of two is gearing up for the ride of his
life with his former East Keilor football club teammates Rohan
Egglestone, Jason Stivala and Gary Dester. The four friends will ride
830 kilometres from Adelaide to Geelong over six days to raise money for
Kids Plus.
The Geelong-based parent-driven organisation provides paediatric
intensive therapy programs for children with neuro-physical
disabilities. It is the second time Walsh, 40, has taken part in the
fund-raiser. Last year he raised $16,000 and this year he is hoping for
an increase to $30,000.
To prepare for the event, the dedicated dad has
undertaken a gruelling training schedule, often riding up to 150
kilometres a week with his teammates.
“I think it’s such an important thing to do for an
organisation which has assisted us so much and that doesn’t receive any
government funding,” he says.
Walsh says he one day hopes to do the ride with his son.
“He can walk with the help of a frame or with somebody helping him
to stand,” he says. “But my hope for the future for him is that he
continues to make the most out of his life and is able to be
independent.”
Walsh says he already has been flooded with sponsorship support
from Moonee Valley businesses, including Strathmore Flowers, Bombers
Auto Port in Airport West, Approved Plumbing and online business Green
Cube Office Chairs.
The event will start in Adelaide on Sunday,
September 22, and finish in Geelong on September 27.
