Ash pedals for Parkinson’s

FORMER local Ash Griggs recently rode 340 kilometres, from Albany to Bunbury, to raise more than $23,000 for the Shake It Up foundation.

The money was raised via online donations and cash donations, a silent auction and proceeds from a custom charity shirt, and a signature cocktail designed to commemorate the ride.

Mr Griggs’ marathon ride passed through Collie, where he stayed the night at his parents’ farm.

The Shake It Up foundation raises money for Parkinson’s disease.

Mr Griggs said his grandfather suffers from the disease, and he chose the foundation because all donations go directly to finding a cure.

“I did my research into charities set up for Parkinson’s and this was a stand out,” he said.

“They are affiliated with the Michael J Fox foundation in the US, and are just really well run.

“I love how active the foundation is and, when I reached out, they gave me so much guidance in that early planning stage.”

Mr Griggs trained for four months before embarking on the big ride.

“I had never ridden on the road, so this was a whole new discipline for me,” he said. “I trained myself and enjoyed the process.”

Mr Griggs said he chose Albany as his start point due to a connection through his work.

He said he liked the idea of stopping at the family farm in Collie, and then finishing at the Rose Hotel in Bunbury with family and friends.

“The Collie stop was always planned due to it being where I grew up and where my family still resides; it was always going to form a big part of the ride,” he said.

Family and friends turned up to Central Park during his stopover, including a local couple who shared their story with Parkinson’s and gave a donation.

Mr Griggs said the end total was raised in a number of ways.

“Fourteen businesses came onboard as sponsors. I am still accepting donations for the next few weeks.”

Although the long ride took its toll, Mr Griggs said he would love to do it again.

“I’m taking in what was achieved and I’m really proud of what I could contribute to the foundation,” he said.

“I would love to either do it all again, or perhaps something different. We will see.”