Sloan (14), Summer (10), Matt, Julie, Mia (13) and Tenley (9) Burton prepare for the Freeway Bike Hike on April 3.
Camera IconSloan (14), Summer (10), Matt, Julie, Mia (13) and Tenley (9) Burton prepare for the Freeway Bike Hike on April 3. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Spider to stretch his legs

Caitlin TillerEastern Reporter

FORMER footballer Matthew ‘Spider’ Burton and his family will test their mettle for the Freeway Bike Hike on April 3.

Burton, his wife Julie and daughters Sloan (14), Mia (13), Summer (10) and Tenley (9) will ride the 10km from Stirling Station to Elizabeth Quay to raise money and awareness for Asthma Foundation of WA (AFWA).

Burton said the Mt Claremont family often cycled together near Lake Claremont.

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“For us it’s more about family fitness,” he said.

“We all go riding together and we’re just lucky none of us suffers from asthma.”

The Burton family will ride in the 10km division alongside hundreds of others in the annual event, which benefits Telethon and AFWA.

The funds raised will go towards respiratory research and increasing awareness of asthma, which affects 10 per cent of the WA population.

Organisers hope more than 8000 people will take to the freeway, divided in 60km, 30km, 10 and 1km lengths, all ending in the city.

AFWA chief executive David Johnson said the organisation could not operate without support and collaboration with Main Roads, Perth Transport Authority, local councils and WA Police.

“We are thrilled to be supported by ECU for our 2016 Freeway Bike Hike event, allowing us to continue to provide a first-class cycling event, while raising awareness and funds for AFWA,” Mr Johnson said.

“Our goal is to raise more than $250,000 and we encourage all West Australians to support this event, not only through participating but also through fundraising.”

For information on road closures or to donate, visit www. |freewaybikehike.com.au.