Albany Regional Prison officers gear up for annual fundraising ride for children’s health

Albany prison officers will dust off their bicycles and hit the road to Lake Grace next week in an epic ride for children’s health.

A 19-rider team dubbed the Porridge Bikers will set off from Albany Regional Prison on September 10, to cover 370km over two days with riders rotating for 5km legs.

The Porridge Bikers have pedalled for a cause for the past 17 years, raising about $150,000 for medical services in the region.

Their efforts have helped fund a foetal heart monitor, children’s defibrillators and a rebuild of Cranbrook skate park.

The team have already raised close to $10,000 this year.

Ride co-ordinator John Roukens said the team hoped to use the money for an ocean-inspired mural to add a splash of colour to the walls of Albany Health Campus’s Children’s Ward.

The group will also purchase two children’s CPR mannequins for Jerramungup and Lake Grace.

Mr Roukens said fundraising had been particularly challenging this year.

“In the years gone past we’ve knocked on the doors of Albany businesses to ask for donations but we haven’t done that this year because of COVID. So we’ve done things a bit differently,” he said.

“We’d like to thank anybody that has donated to Porridge because without the generosity of these businesses we wouldn’t have the history that we have and there’s too many to thank.”

The group is selling an electric bike to boost their fundraising efforts, donated by the Electric Bike Company.

To donate, call the Porridge Bikers on 9842 4444.