CEO braves Magic Ride’s capital tour for bereaved kids

Adam Blatch is not a cyclist, but that did not stop him from riding 500 kilometres in and around the ACT last week to help change the lives of grieving kids. It’s a cause that’s close to home.

At 8.30am on Thursday 13 April, 33 riders hit the road in a Tour de Capital. They crossed the big finishing line at the end of Day 4 (16 April) at the one and only Camp Magic.

There, the young campers, volunteers, and their families were waiting to cheer them on.

This magical plot of land is what the cyclists aimed to fundraise a grand $150,000 for with their four-day trek. Right now, they are sitting just short of their goal, at $147,000, which Adam calls a magnificent effort.

Donations will remain open until the end of June.

These funds will allow 100 kids to attend notfor-profit Feel the Magic’s camp for kids who are grieving the loss of a parent, guardian or sibling.

Despite heading Feel the Magic as CEO, Adam admits that he isn’t a keen cyclist. With encouragement from his fellow riders, he decided to take on the Magic Ride for the first time.

“It was hard but very rewarding, particularly knowing you’re doing it for the cause.”

While Day 2 was the most nerve-racking, seeing the peloton roll through the undulating terrain along the fringe of the Brindabellas, Adam said afterwards that each day brought its own obstacles. The cyclists rode 105km, 115km, 117km, and 70km across the four days.

“All of us have our own reasons for being there,” he told CW, hours before hitting the road.

“My brother-in-law died by suicide, leaving behind my nephew, who was two at the time … Watching him grow up, we saw the challenges that can bring to young people.”

Adam said that regardless of how he does on the journey, if even one kid finds Camp Magic through what they are doing, it has been a success.

“One in 20 kids in Australia will experience the death of a parent before they turn 18 – one in every classroom.

“Once a kid who has lost a parent, or another kid in sibling loss, comes to Camp Magic, they realise they’re not alone.”

From its beginnings in 2020, the Magic Ride has become vital support for the camps – funding four so far – which are offered free of charge to eliminate any barriers to families seeking support.

“If anyone wants to help out through raising awareness, raising funds, or volunteering, we’re always looking for support in the ACT area.”

Adam, who is already keen for next year’s ride, says 188 kids have come to Camp Magic so far, inching bit by bit to his ultimate finish line: “That no kid should ever bereave alone.”

To donate or enquire, visit feelthemagic.org.au

- Anja de Rozario

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