Meet our Riders

Ross Bingham OAM

CEO Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW

This will be my 22nd Ride for Sick Kids and I am incredibly grateful that the event that we started back in 2005 has continued to have a major impact on our charity and consequently supported 1000's of families with sick kids from across Northern NSW that need our Ronald McDonald Houses.

Being CEO of Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW but more importantly a Dad, and now a Pop, of healthy children and grandchildren, I realise how fortunate I am to live in Newcastle with the amazing John Hunter Children's Hospital just up the road. 

I am a casual cyclist at best but every winter I get on the bike to train for the Ride for Sick Kids and it has kept me relatively fit for the last 22 years. I am not a fan of hills however when I feel the pain coming and the challenge getting to my head I just think of the daily struggle and resilience that the hundreds of families and kids go through every day at the House and it inspires me to dig deeper.

So join me as we put in some effort to make a real difference for the kids and families of our region.

Sam Cashman - Hunter Water & Barge

I've been cycling for 15 years and first joined the Ride for Sick Kids in 2018 at the suggestion of a friend and as my way of making a difference for families.  I feel privileged to be part of the group of riders who are all passionate about making a difference for sick kids and their families.  One of the greatest things about the week is meeting some of the families who need the support of Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW and seeing how much it means to them to have access to it.

Greg Hardes - Hardes and Associates

I can't think of a better cause to support or a better way to spend a week than cycling to help sick kids and their families who need Ronald McDonald House.

Pete Hodgson - Quarry Mining

I am an avid cyclist and first joined the Ride for Sick Kids in 2020 as a Sponsor and also a rider over the 5 days.

I feel lucky to be a part of such a passionate group of riders, all raising much needed funds for Ronald McDonald House and ultimately making a difference for sick kids and their families.  

One of the highlights about RFSK is visiting the schools to talk to students about bike safety and meeting families along the way who have needed the support of Ronald McDonald House and hearing how much it means to them to have access to these services, it really helps ease the financial stress while they focus on their sick child.

Don Hudson

I’ve been a bike rider for as long as I can remember, my mum tells the story of pushing me up and down the footpath on a tricycle all hour of the day and evening when I was just a toddler, so I was always destined to take up bike riding as a recreational pursuit as well as a sport for many years.

This will be my fourth RFSK ride having been encouraged to join by some of the other riders when I retired in 2019 and started riding a lot more than I had been whilst working.

When you hear the stories of the children and their families first hand and what they go through it only wants you to do more to support such a worthy cause and one that makes such a difference for those families that need to stay at one of the Ronald McDonald Houses whilst their child is hospitalized. 

Geoff Isaacs - TJL Business Advisors & Accountants

A late starter to the cycling world and a first-time participant in the Ride for Sick Kids. Having experienced the incredible support from Ronald McDonald House firsthand, the opportunity to give back and raise money for this amazing program is an absolute honour. I look forward to meeting some great people along the way who have given so much to families in their time of need.

Andrew Roseworne - McDonalds Licensee - Newcastle

I have worked for McDonald's for over 25 years, in 2018 I moved to Newcastle when I was given the opportunity to purchase the Hexham & Salamander Bay restaurants. I've had a long connection with Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW and the Newcastle House completing the my first RFSK in 2013. I'm looking forward to taking on the challenge where I hope the team can raise more much-needed funds to help keep families together when they have a seriously ill or injured child.   

Rory Symonds

I have always been active and take enjoyment from exercise. Riding to support families who need it most is a privilege. Thinking of my two young daughters, I'm looking forward to riding and supporting  families in their times of need. 

Darren Towill

I am excited to be riding for the fourth year for the Ride For Sick Kids road ride.  

My family experienced first hand the great work this charity does, when my daughter Mackenzie was born with a hole in her heart. The care and support from the services of Ronald McDonald House was so supportive and helpful through the whole situation, with a positive outcome for my family.

David Woods - Active Accounting Group

Part of the Active Accounting Group

My passion lies in helping others. Through my profession as an Accountant helping businesses to achieve long-term goals and drive success, but also in supporting the community and those in need. I'm looking forward to taking on the challenge and raising the vital funds needed for Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW to continue to help families with seriously ill or injured children.