A COOGEE resident tackling the Hawaiian Ride for Youth for a third time says the ability to help others motivates him to take part each year.
The annual five-day ride is used to raise awareness and funds for Youth Focus and its work preventing youth suicide.
Along the journey, riders stop at regional high schools to chat to students about youth suicide, depression and self harm, and to share their stories about the struggles they have overcome.
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READ NOWCoogee resident Joe Ostojich said he was keen to help wherever he could.
“The thing that brings me back is the cause itself,” he said.
“Youth mental health is such an important issue and deserves a lot of attention if the community are going to have a positive impact in the area.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to see places where we have made a positive impact, but it’s also seriously distressing to hear about some of the tragic outcomes in areas that we have not been able to reach.”
Since its inception in 2003, when just 24 riders took part, more than $12.7 million has been raised.
A record field of 150 cyclists will take part in the 2016 version, which starts in Albany tomorrow.
The ride will wrap up in Kings Park on Saturday.
For information visit Ride for Youth.