Brothers pedal across Thailand to raise funding

TWO Ipswich brothers will pedal 500km a day across Thailand next year to help raise money for an orphanage set up in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

GETTING OUT: Brothers Harry (left) and Jack Carew, owners of Tactical Ops Paintball at Calvert. Picture: David Nielsen

TWO Ipswich brothers will pedal 500km a day across the Thailand countryside next year to help raise money for an orphanage set up in the wake of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.

But first, Jack and Harry Carew are looking to the people of Ipswich to help them raise their fundraising target of $5000.

The brothers are planning a mini-race day, complete with Shetland ponies, at their business Tactical Ops Paintball and are also on the hunt for support and sponsorship to meet the $5000 target.

"We're not going to stop at $5000 or $10,000," Jack said.

"The more we raise the better."

Jack and Harry are among more than 80 Aussies taking part in the annual Thai Ride, run to help raise money for Hands Across The Water.

Riders pedal their way on bicycles from Bangkok to the charity's orphanage in Khao Lak, some with a $5000 goal and some with a $10,000 fundraising goal.

Each rider meets the costs of the ride separately from their fundraising goal.

The charity was founded by former police officer Peter Baines after he was tasked with other Australian officers to help identify victims of the Boxing Day tsunami.

It now runs its own orphanage and supports children across Thailand and aims to build an HIV pediatrics facility.

Next year's annual Thai Ride will be the first after the 10-year anniversary of the natural disaster.