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Bankstown Police chief O’Toole, officers riding to Canberra to raise money for Legacy

Bankstown Police Commander Superintendent Michael O’Toole and his colleagues are riding from Sydney to Canberra to raise money for Police Legacy.

Bankstown Police commander Michael O'Toole. Picture: Tia O'Toole
Bankstown Police commander Michael O'Toole. Picture: Tia O'Toole

BANKSTOWN Police commander Michael O’Toole will be accompanied by three colleagues in his ride from Sydney to Canberra to raise money for Police Legacy.

Having started with a modest goal of $700, the 55-year-old superintendent has raised nearly $5000 in the lead up to the 300km 2019 Remembrance Bicycle Ride from April 26-28.

“My 29 years of serving as a police officer makes me realise the value of the Police Legacy and the work it does,” Supt. O’Toole said.

Bankstown Police commander Michael O'Toole shows off his fitness ahead of his ride. Picture: Tia O'Toole
Bankstown Police commander Michael O'Toole shows off his fitness ahead of his ride. Picture: Tia O'Toole

“It will an emotional ride and there are lot of participants who have lost loved ones.

Others do it for different reasons in honour of people they know.”

Supt O’Toole will be joined by three sargents from Bankstown station, Brooke Notley, Andrew Burnell and Andrew New.

A regular cyclist for many years, Supt O’Toole said he likes to keep fit while enjoying himself.

“I have done bigger rides, including the tough Sydney to Melbourne ride and also took part in the Ironman contest,” he said. “I have been training on stationary bike which is boring but gets it done.”

“This will be easier as its 100km a day and my wife Tia is a dedicated supporter who will be at the finish.

Bankstown Police commander Michael O'Toole is grateful for the community support for his cause. Picture: Tia O'Toole
Bankstown Police commander Michael O'Toole is grateful for the community support for his cause. Picture: Tia O'Toole

“I have been doing a lot of training on the stationary bike at home u

“This gets very boring but it gets the job done and I usually watch Sydney Swans on the telly.

“I tried to fix my diet but don’t think I have done it because I am carrying eight more kilos than my last big ride around six years ago.

“I am overwhelmed by the support from the community, not only in terms of contributing money for this cause but for welcoming me when I started in this job last year.

“The people have been very generous and very pleasant.”

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Supt O’Toole could be one of the oldest riders in the Legacy event and also the highest individual fundraiser if contributions continue to roll in for him.

Canterbury Bankstown Chamber is one of his biggest supporters, along with Bankstown Sports and Bankstown City Unity Bank.

To support Supt O’Toole, visit: bit.ly/2UpfduK

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/the-express/bankstown-police-chief-otoole-officers-riding-to-canberra-to-raise-money-for-legacy/news-story/c035e71771b71468e8a45d95126a4650