Supporter Spotlight - Kate Ashton & Graeme Leach

09 May 2023

Kate and Graeme recently completed the Digital Live Coastal Ride in April 2023 and together have raised around $52,000. Below they share more about how they became involved with Hands, their ride experiences, and their tips for successful fundraising. 


How I became involved with Hands:

Kate

Steve Carroll kept mentioning the ride for 2020 at multiple real estate events I attended in 2019, and after lengthy discussions I decided to change my life and take on this great challenge both physically and mentally, as well as the responsibility to Hands to be a fundraiser and ambassador. I have done the Digital Live Mekong Ride in 2022 and Digital Live Coastal Ride in 2023. My fundraising total is around $50,000, and I will continue to be a proud supporter of the group. 

Graeme

I first became involved through my partner Kate Ashton, but as this organization aligns with my values and purpose, I keep coming back to assist where I can. I have attended two rides. The Home Hug ride in the north and the Coastal ride in the south. I would highly recommend attending both rides as they give different perspectives, and both give fantastic value.


Favourite Hands Memory:

Kate

Getting back on the bike for my second ride - knowing I was doing it 30 kg lighter, had raised heaps of $ and had brought my partner Graeme along for the journey.
Riding with Mae Thiew - an honour to be able to ride alongside and be able to have the most amazing hugs - knowing that she wasn’t 100% in health and rode every day - I had NO excuse, hot or not, I wasn’t riding in robes!!

Graeme

Its very hard to name just one memory, but the reception we got riding into Home Hug with music blaring and the kids chanting for us was probably one that will stick with me forever.


Top tips for fundraising:

Kate

Trivia nights for us have been great I have had two and both successful. We decided to get experts in to run them so we could focus on the extra fundraising and getting donations.
Tell everyone that they NEED to help you and that it is so important to show that our local community is generous and knows that it is for good.

Graeme 

- Start fundraising very early.
- Organise events for people to attend.
- Use social media and local media like newspapers to gather awareness.
- Don’t be afraid to re ask people for donations, as we are all busy and forget.


Favourite Quote:

Kate
Brad Robson - "Don’t ride the hills before you get there. And don’t trust a fart."

Graeme 

Favourite quote for me is “keep pedaling.” If you just keep pedaling, you will be at the next stop before you know it.


Final Thoughts on the Ride:

Kate

It is life changing - priorities get put into perspective and we all are able to help in some way to give the kids a choice in their lives from here on by being here for them.

Graeme

These rides provide great insight into why we raise the money, and it hits home why you do it when you get to see the kids you are riding for. But the other side of these rides are you get to meet a great bunch of likeminded people with similar values that you build such great friendships and bonds with the other riders.

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