Frankie: A Heart Full of Purpose and 10,000km of Love

From the very first time riding into Baan Home Hug, it was clear this was something special. The music. The smiles. The kids. “We were made to feel so welcome,” Frankie recalls. “It was amazing.”

Since that first ride in 2012, Frankie has become part of the furniture at Hands. He’s a veteran, a legend, and a constant presence on the road and in our hearts. Fifteen rides, over 10,000km, and more than $320,000 raised—Frankie’s impact is felt across the organisation. We’ve been truly blessed to have him join us all those years ago, and even more blessed that he never left.

What began as a personal challenge became a lifelong commitment. “I used to think about life in terms of work and rugby,” he says. “Now, I’ve got a whole other family. Life would be very shallow without love and purpose.”

He credits Pete and CT as guiding lights, and treasures his memories with the children—especially Tao, a tiny but determined rider he now proudly sponsors. “Tao could barely reach the pedals but still rode with us. I’ll never forget it.”

And then there’s the joy of riding with his grandchildren—Andrew in 2012 and Broden in 2013—watching the impact of Hands ripple across generations.

There was a time, after that tough first ride, when many thought Frankie wouldn’t come back. “It was bloody hard,” he laughs. “But that just made me more determined. I came back the next year. And in 2014, I did the double.”