Ashley Griggs conquers 340km ride from Albany to Bunbury for Parkinson’s research

A marathon ride from Albany to Bunbury has ended, with Ashley Griggs feeling a strong sense of pride in what he has accomplished in the name of charity. Mr Griggs completed his 340km ride between the two regional towns on Sunday, raising money for the Shake It Up Foundation and to support research to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. After being inspired to take on the challenge by his grandfather, who had been suffering from the effects of Parkinson’s Disease for a number of years, Mr Griggs set off from Albany last week to undertake the mammoth ride. Mr Griggs left Albany at 5:00am on Thursday January 12 and rode into The Rose Hotel in Bunbury to the sound of cheers and an ovation from his supporters. Mr Griggs’ route took him through the heart of the great southern where a number of businesses including Albany’s Premier Hotel had sponsored his marathon ride. Following the ride, Mr Griggs hosted a Sunday session at The Rose Hotel on January 15 which included auctions, raffles, live music and a signature cocktail, with proceeds donated to the Shake It Up Foundation. “It’s the biggest sense of relief that I’ve made it,” Mr Griggs said. “There were times where I didn’t feel like I was going to get there. “It was pretty testing in terms of the conditions but I’m relieved and really thankful for the turnout and the money raised along the way.” Mr Griggs credited his support crew of his father and best mate for keeping his head in the game along the way. “They kept me focused and they enjoyed it,” he said. “They had a laugh and they kept me laughing and I’m sure they have a huge amount of pride for what we’ve achieved as a group. “I’m sure we’ll remember it for a long time.” Prior to starting the ride from Albany, Mr Griggs had raised around $12,000. Following the conclusion of the ride and the Shake It Up fundraising sundowner at The Rose Hotel which featured silent auctions, live music and proceeds from drink purchases also being donated, it is understood Mr Griggs had raised more than $20,000. “I’m really confident that we’d get somewhere between $22,000 and $25,000 but anything now is a bonus,” Mr Griggs said. Donations are still open and can be made to the Shake it Up Foundation at: