Ride raises cash for good cause

More than 130 bikers and a handful of hot rods battled ‘‘atrocious’’ weather in Manawatu on a ride to raise money for Down syndrome children.

Organiser of the Ride for the Kids Danny Harrison said it was fantastic so many were prepared to brave Sunday’s weather in support of the cause.

‘‘The conditions were atrocious. It was raining and there were galeforce winds.

‘‘If it had been a fine day we would have doubled the numbers, but I’m so rapt so many did turn up.

‘‘It was magnificent, given the weather.’’

The ride, which had taken six months to organise, began at Anza Motorcycles on Taonui St in Palmerston North, regrouped for lunch in Shannon, and ended up at The Wines Bar and Grill on Rangiotu Rd in Himatangi.

It raised a total of $6000, which Harrison presented to New Zealand Down Syndrome Association national executive officer Zandra Vaccarino at the end of the day’s ride.

Harrison said he had been inspired to organise the ride after learning about the challenges families faced supporting children with Down syndrome in their early years.

He was particularly interested in the difference access to speech therapy could make.

‘‘Early intervention can make a world of difference for the child and their families by ensuring they are on the best development available to them.’’

Communication skills played a key part in boosting children’s confidence and independence, he said.

Harrison said the money would be tagged to the Manawatu area where it could help support local children.

Some of those children and their families turned out to see the bikers and to be treated with lollies and soft toys at the end of the ride.

He said he was keen to make the ride an annual event.