For 30 years, Logan City local Charlie Bennett said his wife, Jenny, was doing well coping with MS, but in 2013 he became her full time carer.
“We knew it would eventually catch her,” Charlie says. “It’s like someone running behind you and you can feel their breath on the back of your neck.”
“It’s a terrible, terrible disease and I hate it.”
The MS Brissie to Bay ride is vital to helping raise awareness and funds for the disease, and has been part of the Brisbane cycling scene for three decades now. Not only is it loved by families for its fun and friendly atmosphere, the 100km and 130km distances provide a scenic route to the bay for the more experienced riders.
Charlie is encouraging the community to get behind the cause.
“The ride is more for the families and just enjoying the day,” he says.
“There’s no racing, there’s no prize for being first or second place, you just enjoy the day.”
Credit: Charlie Bennett
Charlie says the reason he joined in the fundraising ride, which goes ahead Sunday June 12, is for his wife, who was diagnosed with MS almost 48 years ago. The couple have been married for over 40 years.
“The people who suffer from MS have such strength and such resilience, it’s beyond my comprehension,” Charlie says.
As for the ride, Charlie says the people who are riding are all riding for the same reason.
“They’re not riding for themselves, they’re riding for the people they know with MS, or there are others who just want to help raise funds to go towards MS,” he says.
“There’s no egos, there’s no one saying ‘I’m going to beat you, or I’m better than you’, we’re just all together as one big team.”
As the riders make their way towards the finish line, Charlie says they are greeted by the Cheer Club, made up of those living with MS.
“When you come down the final chute, and they’re all cheering and clapping and yelling, it’s an absolutely amazing feeling,” he says.
To donate to Team Jenny, click here.
