Beau wants to be an easy rider
cowboy and beau cropped
MARCH 2017 | Lorraine Clarke
Geoff “Cowboy” Marsh is a tough-looking biker whose weatherbeaten exterior barely conceals a marshmallow centre.
His day job is building, but for over 30 years he chooses to spend his free time on a motorbike. Geoff is the State Manager for Freedom Riders Tasmania and one of their national managers.
Freedom Riders Australia is a Charitable Organisation which just happens to do its thing on bikes. They join in the annual Toy Run during November, when motorcycle clubs tour the State distributing toys and gifts to children along the way.
Ultimately, the bikes converge upon Salamanca Market where their sacks of toys are donated to the Salvos.
During last year’s Toy Run, the Freedom Riders stopped in Ross, where Geoff met some people running a couple of barbecues, selling hotdogs and hamburgers. He discovered they were a family trying to raise funds for young Beau Dance, a boy with cerebral palsy. The van they had used for transporting Beau and his wheelchair had given up the ghost and they now travel in a small car. As Beau grows, it becomes more difficult for his dad Justin to lift him in and out of the vehicle. Geoff could see that what Beau needs is a wheelchair-friendly van, and that his home also needs modification with wheelchair access ramps. Soft-hearted Geoff took up the challenge to raise funds for Beau to make life easier for him and his devoted family of carers.
Geoff has rallied the troops from across the country in a fundraising appeal, which will focus on a Twilight Rally at Deloraine Showgrounds on Thursday 23rd March. This coincides with the first national Freedom Riders Tassie Tour (19th – 25th March) and will commence with a Day Ride on Thursday.
From 3.00p.m. till 1.00a.m. the Showgrounds will host numerous activities all supporting this appeal for Beau. Riders will camp at the Showgrounds before the Friday ride.
The fundraising Rally is seeking Car Boot Sale participants, musos to perform through the night, Car and Vintage Motorbike Club displays.
Donations of items for Raffles and Auctions, Swap Meet, Food Vendors, Service Clubs, fruit and vegetables, anything of interest!
Do you have a Bucking Bull available? Sumo Wrestling outfits perhaps? A Jumping Castle has been arranged for the kids. A truck has been offered as a bandstand.
“Freedom Riders are born with a heart and they all just want to help out,” says Geoff.
To get involved and contribute to the Fundraiser for Beau: call Geoff 0498 492 183 or Ursula 0401 795 237 or www.gofundme.com/2hdzc7xy?ssid=928430266&pos=2
Photo | Mike Moores
