By Danielle Kutchel
A hidden love for pushing pedals has blossomed into a series of charity challenges for Ian Kilgour.
The Endeavour Hills local was encouraged by his sister in law to take up cycling after having five heart bypasses in 2007.
His recovery ignited a passion for cycling that has endured through the years as he has racked up the kilometres.
Eight years ago he decided to channel that passion into charity and entered the Around the Bay cycling event, raising funds for The Smith Family.
On Sunday 6 October he’ll join more than 10,000 other cyclists from around the country in Around the Bay 2019.
This year, Mr Kilgour will complete the 100km Sorrento to Melbourne route.
“I do it for the challenge, the enjoyment and the satisfaction of helping kids,” he said.
The Smith Family provides learning support and mentoring programs for Australian children, combatting the disadvantage that can limit their opportunities and outcomes in life.
“Every dollar raised by riders will help us reach even more young people in need with practical support for their education, including school books, uniforms and shoes, and access to out-of-school learning and mentoring programs to support their literacy, numeracy and future aspirations,” said Anton Leschen, The Smith Family’s general manager in Victoria.
Mr Kilgour is feeling well prepared for his eighth outing at the event and gets out on his wheels regularly, normally riding 65km on a Saturday morning along the Eastlink trail.
He has set a fundraising target of $3000 and is so far well on his way to achieving that goal thanks to the generosity of donors and his workplace, Facey.
Mr Kilgour is still accepting donations via his fundraising page at https://www.aroundthebayfundraising.com.au/fundraisers/iankilgour/around-the-bay.
