Many to ride for Riley

The family of Riley McKechnie recently learnt their little boy’s battle with brain and spine cancer Medulloblastoma could take his life in only three months.

As if this news wasn’t devastating enough, the family feared they would not have the money to pay for his funeral.

Word of their battle found its way to the Karratha Bikers Association Lower 26th Chapter and the idea for the A Run for Riley fundraiser was born.

Initially a closed event featuring local biker organisations including the Fat Boys Drinking Club and Southern Riders Social Club, the event has expanded to include the public, who can participate on a bike, trike or in a car.

The $15 entry fee and funds raised on the day from raffle sales (with hundreds of prizes including a three-day test drive of a new demonstrator Holden Commodore and hot laps in a V8 Supercar) will be donated to Riley’s family to help take the weight of funeral costs and day- to-day expenses off their shoulders.

More than $3000 has already been raised. Any extra funds will be donated to a children’s cancer charity.

KBA Lower 26th Chapter president Patrick ‘Tig’ Heathcote, from Armadale, said between 250 and 300 people were already expected on the day.

He said the organisation was hoping to make the event an annual one.

Mr Heathcote said members met their newest hero for the first time on Sunday and gave him a bear dressed like a biker.

‘That was amazing; not one of the bikers took their sunglasses off because I doubt there was a dry eye among us,’ he said.

Registrations are from 9am for a 10am sharp start on April 27 at the Ye Olde Narrogin Inn, corner Albany Highway and South West Highway.

Visit www.facebook.com/|ARunForRiley.