Charity rides takes off

The roar of motorcycle engines drowned out the squeals of excited children at the Albany Show on Friday, as this year’s Variety WA charity ride took off from Centennial Oval at 10am.

About 40 motorcyclists clad in colourful costumes hopped on their hogs for the 2013 Variety Two Oceans Bike Run from Albany to Perth to raise funds for seriously ill WA children, including 10-year-old Albany girl Annika Williams.

Annika was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia last May and the side effects of her chemotherapy, and other treatments, have left her unable to walk.

Her parents Rachael and Jeremy have been based in Perth for the last 13 months as Annika bravely battles the blood cancer, including hydrotherapy sessions to build her cardiovascular fitness and strengthen her weakened bones and muscles.

Currently Annika has two hydrotherapy sessions a week in Albany, but her lowered immunity means she risks getting sicker from public pools.

Now, thanks to the Variety WA riders who have funded a $21,000 spa for her home, Annika can look forward to hopping in the water every day.

Her mother Rachael Tilley said the spa would boost her daughter’s physical and psychological well-being.

“It’s hard for her being off her feet because she sees her friends running and playing and she can’t do that,” she said.

“The spa is a good place for her to have her friends over and be normal in the water with them.

“She has neuropathy and osteoporosis from her treatment, so this means she can do weight-bearing exercises to strengthen her bones and muscles.”

Ms Tilley said she was overwhelmed by the generosity shown to her family.