Hawaiian Ride for Youth overcomes challenge to visit Katanning Senior High School with message of hope

Cyclist Ella Gibson encapsulated the Hawaiian Ride For Youth message of hope when she visited Katanning Senior High School on Wednesday. The charity bike run pedalled through the Great Southern and Wheatbelt South last week, calling into schools to speak with students at assemblies in towns including Katanning, Wagin and Narrogin. The group started the day in Gnowangerup where they marked the official launch of Paul, a tractor installed on the Horsepower Highway tourist trail last year in memory of Paul Perrot who took his own life in 1998. A strong headwind between Gnowangerup and Katanning proved challenging. Ms Gibson was driven a short distance of the ride to Katanning Senior High School to ensure her message that help was at hand to deal with life’s struggles, was heard before the final bell. Separated from the close-knit pack and backed by only a handful of the peloton, Ms Gibson shared her personal story with the school, an act that drew admiration from fellow cyclists. “I spoke last year in Wagin and I spoke to a big group of adults at a fundraising lunch we did back in November, two very different speeches but I really love it,” she said in Narrogin on Thursday. “Like I said yesterday in my speech I think that if there’s one kid that I can get through to and almost role model that things can get better and that you can make something of your life that’s enough right, that’s my job done.” Youth Focus chief executive Derry Simpson said that everyone involved with the Hawaiian Ride For Youth had put in a remarkable effort. “It’s just incredible, these guys give up so much of their time, they’re all volunteers, so are the support crew,” she said. “They give up a week of work, they fundraise for six months of the year before they even hop on their bikes . . . it’s a huge commitment and to do that year on year — they really care about the cause so we are obviously incredibly grateful and so are the young people.” Young people in need of support can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit the Kids Helpline website to access a range of resources.