Marathon effort a moving tribute

Family members of Albany couple Arjen and Yvonne Ryder, who died aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in July, united over the weekend to compete in a marathon in Mr Ryder’s memory.

An avid cyclist, Mr Ryder had raced in the Blackwood Marathon, which took place between Boyup Brook and Bridgetown on Saturday, for many years.

His younger sister Rachel de Ruiter said the event gave relatives a way to feel connected to Mr Ryder.

“It was really special,” she said.

“I felt like it was the thing he would have really wanted us to do.

“He would be so happy now because that is what he always loved … it brought people together … out in the bush camping in a beautiful location.”

Mr Ryder’s nephews Reuben Dekker and Callum and Vaughn Schoof, nieces Jane and Emily Vander Brugge and brother-in-law Nathan Groenewold completed run, ride, paddle and swim sections.

Drew Ryder, one of the couple’s three children, competed in the 20km ride for the first time on the bicycle his late father achieved a personal best time on last year.

“It was a privilege and an honour,” the 22-year-old said.

“I didn’t think too much about it (during the ride) as it can get overwhelming, but afterwards it was a bit emotional.”

About 20 family members supported the competitors, which also included teams from the Albany Department of Agriculture and Food, where Mr Ryder would have marked 32 years last month, in a bid to raise funds for a scholarship established in his name.

Ms de Ruiter said although the tribute was rewarding, it highlighted Mr Ryder’s absence.

“It really made us miss him,” she said. “He would usually have been the one that was organising things and helping people out … in a way I found that good too because we are just starting the process of realising … what it is like now that he is not around.”

Ms de Ruiter drew strength from thoughts of her brother.

“He worked hard at things and encouraged others … that really inspired me to keep running and get to the end,” she said.

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