Bendigo residents have once again answered a call to help one of their own. Last week the Bendigo Weekly reported on the O’Sullivan and Philip family, who are struggling to keep their lives above board while managing the illness of their youngest child. While their daughter, 12 year old Holly, is severely autistic and requires around-the-clock care, six year old Connor is undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of leukaemia. Parents Carolyn O’Sullivan and Michael Philip are just about at breaking point. Telephone calls from caring locals poured into the Weekly this week with offers of help. Connor and Holly’s aunty Kath O’Sullivan said just knowing people care has lifted the family’s mood. “There is no sunshine on the horizon for this family, but this is like a little bright light for them,” she said. “The community feedback is really having a positive affect.” A group of big-hearted bikers were so touched by the family’s plight, they’ve organised a charity bike ride for March 3. The Boundary Riders have gathered for monthly rides since 2004 and this will be their first outing to raise cash. “A couple of us have wanted to do a charity ride for some time and this seemed the ideal opportunity,,” organiser Mick D’Arcy said. “We wanted to help out a local, someone on our own doorstep.” The ride could see around 100 Harley Davidsons roll out from the Boundary Hotel. At $15 per rider and $5 per passenger, it has potential to help ease some of the family’s financial hardships. All ride entries will also go in the draw for a $900 LCD TV, donated by Danny Clapp The Good Guys. Residents can buy extra tickets to the draw from the Boundary Hotel leading up to March 3. “And any donations can also be left at the Boundary,” Mick said. The group is encouraging as many riders as possible to join in the run, which will leave from the hotel at 10.30am and return by 4.30pm. For information contact Mick on 0409 333 004 or fellow organisers Paul on 0400 136 939 or Mark on 0450 109 080. A bank account has been set up to take donations for the family at the Bendigo Bank. “Appeal for Connor O’Sullivan” Account number: 132773201 BSB 633000
