The organiser of a charity bike ride that saw the Broken Hill community raise more than $50,000 for Lifeline says he was overwhelmed by the support the event received, ABC News reports.
Nick Mann created the Ride for Quinny in memory of his brother-in-law, Bayden Quinn, who took his own life almost a year ago.
The participants in the event cycled 100 kilometres on the weekend and were cheered on by a crowd that Mr Mann described as “unbelievable”.
“They just all came together and clapped us over the line,” he said.
Co-organiser Jim Hocking said the support for the event showed that mental health was an issue on the forefront of people’s minds.
“Not just so much financially, but a lot of the boys are messaging each other and catching up and making an effort to get around each other,” he said.
Saturday’s bike ride was the third community fundraising event for Broken Hill Lifeline since Mr Quinn’s death.
“We can’t get Bayden back, but certainly his legacy is leaving a mark on this community,” Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast chief executive Scott Hammond said.
“This has just laid the foundation for us as an organisation now to be able to roll up our sleeves and keep doing what we do and supporting this community back.”
Lifeline will use the funds to employ a youth counsellor who will work with the local football clubs.
Money from previous fundraisers has been put toward employing a social worker.
FULL STORY
Broken Hill community raises more than $50,000 for Lifeline in memory of Bayden Quinn (ABC News)
PHOTO
Broken Hill locals celebrate at the finish line of the 100km ride.(Supplied: Helen Grossi)
