Cruising for Kidneys: Mt Barker trio will cycle to Albany to raise money for Kidney Foundation

A 12-year-old boy who suffers from kidney disease and his best friend will ride from Mt Barker to Albany, tackling a 52km stretch on their bikes to raise money for the Kidney Foundation.

Andrew “AJ” Roberts, who suffers from kidney disease, is joining forces with friend Beau Sobey and Beau’s father Dwayne to help improve the lives of others affected by the condition

The trio’s Cruise for Kidneys will begin at the Mt Barker skate park on Sunday and end at Hazbeans on the Albany foreshore.

AJ said he “feels lucky” he can pursue activities he loves, unlike some other kidney disease patients.

“After being diagnosed with kidney disease, I’ve been in and out of hospital for years,“ he said.

“I’ve always nagged my doctor to let me play cricket, and last year he gave me the thumbs-up.

“It makes me feel super-lucky compared to other kidney patients who have to go to the hospital all year round, so I’m doing this ride to raise money for the Kidney Foundation.”

The ride will be no easy feat, but AJ is ready for the challenge.

“I’ve been training for this ride for about six months on weekends and some weekdays,” he said.

“Beau is my best friend and he got me into riding, and I have been doing it ever since I’ve been here.

“I’ve now been riding for five years and it’s one of my favourite hobbies.”

After reaching their initial goal of $1000, the Cruising for Kidneys team hope to raise even more funds ahead of the event.