Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Family Fun Bike Day 'dear to our hearts'

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions member Doug Morris (centre) with the Lithwaite family - Ethan, 7, Alya , 11, Courtney, 5, mum Jo, and (far right) Jorja, 9. Photo / Sandra Conchie

A nine-year-old cancer survivor was among more than 60 people who took part in a 15-kilometre bike ride to raise much-needed funds for a crucial and deserving charity.

The inaugural Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Family Fun Bike Day to involved a return ride on the Te Puna to Ōmokoroa cycleway from Maramatanga Park to Tamihana Park and began at 10am yesterday.

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions member and project assistant Doug Morris said the aim of the fun day was about helping bring the community closer together, as well as raising funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.

This was a cause dear to the hearts of many people in the community, particularly given the increasing number of child cancer patients, Morris said.

Lions usually supported the Te Puna Quarry Festival in November as a major fundraising event, he said.

"But we were washed out and then Covid 19-outed, so it's really pleasing that we have finally been able to hold this fundraiser and the weather is perfect for cycling," he said.

Morris paid tribute to the event sponsors Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Palmers Bethlehem, Inghams Chickens, Mainfrieight and Farmers Autovillage Group.

There was quick-fire raffles, food, entertainment, spot prizes, a flight in a bi-plane and also a weekend trip to Taupō for a family of four, he said.

Among those taking part were the Linthwaite family from Whakamarama - Jo Linthwaite, daughters Courtney, 5, Jorja, 9, Ayla, 11, and seven-year-old Ethan.

Jo Linthwaite said: "We all love biking and this event sounded like a lot of fun and getting out on bikes together as a family is something we really enjoy."

"Getting the chance to also help raise some money for childhood cancer research is definitely a bonus. It's a cause that I'm very passionate about.

"My daughter Jorja was diagnosed with leukaemia at 19-months-old and spent one-half-years in Brisbane Hospital, but Jorja has been now recession for about six years."

Ōtumoetai retired couple Sue and Graeme Millow were also among the people taking part.

Sue Millow said it was a great chance to get a closer look at the beautiful Te Puna to Ōmokoroa cycleway and beautiful scenery that the community had heard so much about.

"We also wanted to attend to offer some support for a cause that is dear to our hearts, as cancer has touched our family and some of our friends."