Coast2Coast Rickshaw Charity Ride: Supporting Kids living with Mental Illness

THE CHALLENGE

Two local Christchurch lads, Sean Pawson (59 yrs) and Josh Geddes (35 yrs) are undertaking a never-been-done before, 250 km, two day rickshaw charity ride in a fit-for-purpose rickshaw on the weekend of 24-25 March.

We need your help. The aim of the journey, dubbed the Coast2Coast Rickshaw Charity Ride, is to raise a total of $10,000 for Stepping Stone Trust’s Caroline Reid Family Support Service.

ABOUT THE RIDE

• The two mates will spend two days pedaling 250 kilograms* 250kms up and over 2500 metres of mountain terrain.

• The route, set in Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island, begins at Kumara Beach south of Greymouth, heads up and over Arthurs and Porters Passes, crosses the Canterbury Plains, and ends at New Brighton Beach in Christchurch.

• Sean and Josh will share the rider and passenger roles. A small group of friends will help oversee risk management and provide travel support.

WHAT'S IT ALL FOR?

The aim of the Coast2Coast Rickshaw Charity Ride, is to raise a total of $10,000 for Stepping Stone Trust’s Caroline Reid Family Support Service.

• The Trust's dedicated and professional team offer support to children and young people (aged 7-16) whose parent(s) experience mental illness. They provide valuable education, personal support, advocacy and fun activities for 40+ children and young people living with the challenges of parental mental illness. They also provide important support for the parents.

• The impact of parental mental illness on family life and a child's well-being is significant. Children whose parents have a mental illness are at much greater risk of developing social, emotional, mental health and/or behavioral problems.

HOW THE IDEA CAME ABOUT

• Sean is open about struggling with moderate depression for much of his 30 (and counting) years of parenting life.

• Currently he works as a chaplain for SST, and has observed up-close-and-personal the burdens carried by children living with parental mental illness.

• He knows firsthand that, as much as parents with mental illness carry demanding and debilitating loads, the children they care for are often weighed down with even bigger ones. The ride is about raising awareness and funds to help these kids.

• Josh is also passionate about this cause. He grew up in a family where his Dad and Mum both experienced acute mental illness. He knows from his own childhood experience, how challenging and stressful this is for children. He also knows the value of caring professional support.

Josh & Sean are both keen cyclists and outdoor adventurers who love a good challenge.

GET ON BOARD

Help us support these kids and families. Hit the DONATE NOW button on this Givealittle page! Every $ given will make a difference.