David Rees puts on Tour de Ten Lives for Tasmanian cats

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A CHARITY president has began a colossal cycling fundraiser around Tasmania after he was inspired by a quirky French film he saw on television.

Ten Lives cat shelter president David Rees yesterday embarked on stage one of his Tour de Ten Lives campaign, riding 1,025km on his bike to raise money for the not-for-profit.

Mr Rees said he was motivated to start the project after watching Tour de Force (La Grande Boucle) – a movie in which a man rides the Tour de France a few days ahead of competitors after when his life is in disarray.

“I was sitting around bored in the COVID period,” he said.

David Rees president of Ten Lives, Liam Westerberg 11 of Hobart, Wayne Chapman of Hobart who are all taking part. Start of the Tour de Ten Lives at Sandy Bay to raise money for Ten Lives Building Project as part of the Ten Lives Cat Centre. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“I came up with the idea to do a quarter of the length and then watch the race that night.”

Mr Rees will ride with his yellow jersey through 21 locations where Ten Lives has received lost and abandoned cats, including Sandy Bay, Taroona, Seven Mile Beach, Austins Ferry and Collinsvale, where professional cyclist Nathan Earle will join him.

Local business sponsors have so far helped raise $14,000 towards the $30,000 target, while Mr Rees will contribute a dollar for each kilometre.

“We’re finishing the tour in Orford, hopefully we can get a big event up there,” Mr Rees said.

The cycling enthusiast said he was proud Ten Lives was a national leader in caring for cats and animal education.

He said he hoped the funds would help build more modern and appropriate facilities.

To donate or for more information visit the Ten Lives website.