Peddling for a cause

THE MAROONS aren't the only ones gearing up for round two, so is Kingaroy bike rider Josie Potter.

UP TO THE CHALLENGE: Josie Potter (second from right) lives with MS, but that won't stop her from riding 25km in the Brissie To Bay bike ride fundraiser with fellow riders from the left: Cathy Goodhew, Keith Parker and Glenda Smith \. Picture: Jordan Philp

THE MAROONS aren't the only ones gearing up for round two, so is Kingaroy bike rider Josie Potter.

Mrs Potter who is living with multiple sclerosis will be taking part in the MS Brissie To Bay Fun Ride on Sunday, June 24, for the second year in a row.

Mrs Potter said she has been training hard for the bike ride in which she will be attempting the 25km ride despite undergoing surgery in March.

"I was out for six weeks after surgery, which would take its toll on anyone but with MS the recovery takes a little longer," she said.

"Just this morning we did a 20km bike ride but some days a ride is the only thing I can manage."

Mrs Potter said that bike riding has changed her life for the better.

"At the start I had to learn how to ride a bike, the whole experience has been tough, but fabulous," she said.

"I've gained a lot of leg strength and it has given me the confidence knowing that I could do the 10km now I set myself on the next challenge of 25km."

Mrs Potter and her team who have raised more than $3000 are hoping more local business and people will support the cause and help raise awareness.

"I think many people would be surprised with how many South Burnett locals have MS," she said.

"It's a debilitating disease that can constrict you to just your home so we're trying to raise more awareness about the illness."

Fellow team member and Struddys Sports store owner, Cathy Goodhew sees Mrs Potter as an inspiration to the team and someone to look up to.

"It's a real testament to achieve what she has done and in her circumstances," she said.

"A lot of people could really take a leaf out of her cap."

Despite struggling for years with MS, Mrs Potter said that it's been her determination and close group of friends and family who have made the training process easier.

"It's been my family, friends and my trainers Keith and Barry that have helped me along my journey," she said.

"I'm a stubborn person that's not prepared to take no for an answer until I've tried every way of doing something."

To donate go to brissietothebay.com.au and follow the links to the Kingaroy Cruisers page.

Originally published as Peddling for a cause