Roberta rides to help fight addiction
A Perth-based police officer will cycle 1000km in less than a week during a charity ride to raise money for a residential rehabilitation facility in Esperance.
Sergeant Roberta Richardson is gearing up for the journey, which starts in Esperance on October 19 and arrives in Perth just five days later.
She will be part of a group of riders raising money for Teen Challenge WA, which supports more than 10,000 people each year in their fight against alcohol and drug addiction.
The money generated by the ride will go to a 101ha, 40-bed rehabilitation facility near Esperance, known as Grace Academy.
Given her exposure to problems associated with substance abuse through policing, Sgt Richardson said she felt compelled to take part in the ride.
"Being a police officer, I'm always seeing kids and adults affected by drugs," she said.
"When I heard about the academy in Esperance, it sort of put two and two together for me and I thought 'you know what, it's about time I gave back as well'."
As a former triathlete who now competes in events with the West Coast Masters Cycling Council, Sgt Richardson is feeling confident about the five-day journey.
To be eligible to ride, however, she needs to raise a minimum of $3500.
A garage sale last weekend helped her hit the $1300 mark, but Sgt Richardson said any further donations would be greatly appreciated.
People wishing to make a donation can email Sgt. Richardson on roberta.richardson@police.wa.gov
