Tony Shuker is cycling across Australia to honour the late Kiwi doctor, Dr Allan Sinclair, who saved Shuker's life before being killed when the CTV Building collapsed in the February 22, 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Photo / Supplied
Tony Shuker is cycling across Australia to honour the late Kiwi doctor, Dr Allan Sinclair, who saved Shuker's life before being killed when the CTV Building collapsed in the February 22, 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Photo / Supplied
A man cycling across Australia to honour the Kiwi doctor who saved his life has been spurred on after getting a letter of support from his late hero’s family.
“We are cheering you on every step of the way,” reads the letter written by the son of Dr Allan Sinclairto Tony Shuker, who has spent the past 17 days cycling solo across Australia to raise money for mental health awareness.
The story originates early in 2011 when Shuker fell unwell, losing 30kg in just a month with an aggressive, unexplained rash.
His condition was deteriorating and just when he thought no doctor would take his case seriously, Dr Allan Sinclair diagnosed him with HIV Aids, which meant he could access treatment to save his life.
But just two weeks later, Dr Sinclair was one of 115 people killed in the CTV Building collapse during the February 22, 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Tony Shuker is cycling across Australia to honour the late Kiwi doctor, Dr Allan Sinclair, who saved Shuker's life before being killed in the CTV Building collapse in the February 22, 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Photo / Supplied
At Dr Sinclair’s funeral, Shuker said he felt as though he and Sinclair should swap places.
“You’re a doctor, you do good for people, I’m just Joe Bloggs,” Shuker said.
Shuker said that was the day he promised to give back and honour Dr Sinclair and his family.
He has been hoping to connect with his late doctor’s family, but didn’t know how to do so.
Now, however, his search is finally over.
Tony Shuker has been spurred on by the letter of support. Photo / Supplied
Yesterday, Shuker teared up as he read an emotional letter from the Sinclair family.
“It means a lot to see how much impact Dad had,” reads the letter.
“Thank you for honouring him in such an inspiring and powerful way.”
Shuker said the letter had made the day’s ride “all the more worth it”.
He plans to continue his 4500km ride, and averages 125km per day.
Shuker’s journey is part of his self-founded campaign, Empowering Courage, which aims to raise $2 million and break the silence around trauma, HIV and mental health.
He hoped telling his story would give hope to anyone who had experienced something similar.
“If my story can save even one person, then all of this – every kilometre – is worth it.”
