A charity car and motorcycle ride will be held in the memory of William Wheeler who lost his battle with cancer just two weeks before Christmas.
The ride is set to take place on January 10 in what is a very significant date for the family.
Not only is it the month William would have turned three, it marks almost two years to the day he was first diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Cancer.
Jasmine Williams is organising the Ride for William as a way to support the family through this difficult time.
She was William’s brother Ryan’s kindergarten teacher and she said, like so many others, had been following his heartbreaking journey after forming a bond with the family.
“We’ve been in contact ever since,” Jasmine said.
“A lot of Bundaberg people have been keeping up to date with Williams’ story.
“The reason I feel so moved by it is because Lauren is just one of those perfect mothers.
“She is kind and patient and caring.
“I feel like I just want to give that whole family the world.
“If you could take away some of their pain…”
Jasmine and her partner Gary Harris are keen bikies and come from a “riding community” which gave them the idea for the Ride for William.
Since the Wheeler family are well known to the Bundaberg Drag Racing Club, she said the event was open to motorcycles and cars.
So far, she said the community response had been overwhelming for both raffle prizes and registrations.
“The kindness of the Bundaberg community has been really overwhelming.”
Anyone interested in joining the Ride for William can turn up on the day to register but Jasmine said she was encouraging people to indicate they would be attending on the Facebook event to give organisers an indication of numbers.
Registration is $20 per adult and includes a raffle entry.
“Every cent will go to the Wheeler family on the day so the more the merrier.”
The ride will start from CQUniversity before travelling the coast and stopping in Bundaberg.
“Bundaberg Police are trying to organise to escort the ride,” Jasmine said.
“We will be continuing on to Elliott Heads.
“We’ll be stopping at the submarine park to regroup … going through Coral Cove, Innes Park, Bargara and Burnett Heads.
“Then we’ll stop again at Kendall Flat, drive all the way through town through Bourbong Street and finish up at the Club Hotel.”
Jasmine said the Ride for William event at the Club Hotel would feature live music with Abby Skye, a sausage sizzle and more raffle tickets will be available.
The Wheeler family will follow the ride and will attend the event where Jasmine said she would hand over the fundraising total on the spot.
Find more info and register your interest to attend on the Facebook event page here.
