AS a GP, Dr Philip Healey often witnesses the difficulties Multiple Sclerosis patients encounter.
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Therefore, the Kiama resident and keen cyclist has decided to participate in the MS Sydney to the Gong Ride for the first time.
The MS Sydney to the Gong Ride will take place on Sunday, November 1.
I've got some patients with MS, and research obviously can be beneficial to them.
- Philip Healey.
Since 1981, hundreds of thousands of cyclists have taken the challenge of riding to Wollongong and raised more than $33 million dollars to support people with MS.
The ride is capped at 10,000 cyclists.
Riders commit to fund-raise a minimum of $250.
The bike ride is conducted on public roads that are open to traffic and entrants can choose either the 90km long course or the 58km short course.
Dr Healey, 50, whose practice is based at Albion Park, said his main motivator was raising funds for a vital cause.
“I've got some patients with MS, and research obviously can be beneficial to them and all the sufferers of MS,” he said.
“When you know the disease and you know the tragedies that come from that, if more research can change that then that would be beneficial.”
Dr Healey said he had been participating in another fund-raising cycling challenge throughout October to raise money to help beat children's cancer.
He said the 500km he would have completed during that time would help him prepare for the Sydney to Wollongong ride.
“That finishes on the day before the ride, so it's good practice and a good way of motivating yourself to do a bit more,” he said.
To donate, visit the https://register.gongride.org.au/MS-Sydney-to-the-Gong-Ride/PhilipHealey website.
World Track and Road Champions Scott Law and Aaron Donnelly will join World Champion Mark Renshaw in the inaugural MS Wollongong Criterium on November 1 – an extension to the Sydney to the Gong Ride.
MS CEO Robyn Hunter said the ride is the state’s largest fund-raising event for people living with MS, with money supporting critical services and research.
