By SARAH MATTHEWS

Kevin O’Neill first started going to Brim as a nine-year-old kid, learning to catch yabbies, shoot rabbits and other pastimes associated with growing up in the country. 

He developed many lasting friendships throughout regular travels to the Wimmera-Mallee from Melbourne, including a special one with ‘mentor’ Bob Fisher.

So when he discovered his mentor – a physically and mentally fit, hard-working man – had developed Parkinson’s disease, he decided he needed to do something.

Tomorrow, Mr O’Neill will jump on a 1970s Dragster bicycle aptly named Purple Pain and ride more than 320 kilometres from Sunshine to Warracknabeal.

Like all good ideas, Mr O’Neill said this one was formed ‘after a few beers’.

“Bob is always the first person to put up his hand to help someone out. He’s worked hard all his life. When I found out about his Parkinson’s I thought, ‘I’ve got to do something here’,” he said.

“I’m into old Dragsters and I thought, I bet nobody’s ridden one from Sunshine to Warracknabeal before. 

“I wrote about it on Facebook, woke up the next morning to a lot of comments cheering me on and thought, ‘What have we done here?’.”

Porky’s Pedal for Bob was born. 

Mr O’Neill said his fundraising idea quickly grew legs, particularly after friend Jade McConville of Warracknabeal jumped on board to help source items for a raffle.

“The locals have been wonderful and have been more than happy to help out,” he said.

“Jade’s been approaching people for raffle items and as soon as you mention Bob’s name, they want to help. Nothing is too much to ask. 

“Bob’s been involved in Brim Lions Club, the football club, the bowls club – you name it. He always puts up his hand to help out and since we’ve started this fundraiser we’ve seen people are more than happy to repay the favour. 

“The raffle is going to be huge. Bob’s son Travis has also helped out a lot.

“We also had a man donate stubby holders, which have a picture of Bob and a Dragster on them – they’re going to be collector’s items.”

Mr O’Neill and fellow fundraiser leaders will sell stubby holders and raffle tickets at an event at Brim sports club on Sunday from 11am.

“Lions will be putting on a barbecue, there will be a jumping castle and so on,” Mr O’Neill said. 

“Everyone is invited – the more, the merrier. It’s going to be a warm day but the creek is just there so people will be able to cool off.

“Everyone’s welcome to come to the pub on Saturday night as well.”

Mr O’Neill plans to spend tomorrow night in Learmonth, Friday in St Arnaud and make it to Warracknabeal’s Palace Hotel by 4pm on Saturday. 

“There’s a crew of people coming with me, including my wife Sonia and our three boys,” he said.

“There’s a lot of hype and a lot of excitement. We’re all really looking forward to it.”

Since launching an online fundraising page, Mr O’Neill has raised $6255 of a $10,000 target. He said the money would go towards the cost of medication and modifications to enable Mr Fisher to continue living at home.

“Bob is a proud man and he’s a bit embarrassed by all this,” Mr O’Neill said.

“He wants all the money to go to Parkinson’s Victoria. Some of it will, but we are hoping to help Bob as much as we can.”

People can visit www.mycause.com.au/page/241670/porkys-pedal-for-bob to make a donation or for campaign updates.

Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder.

There is no cure, but medication can help control symptoms.

People can visit www.parkinsonsvic.org.au for more information, including resources for people with Parkinson’s, their family, carers and health professionals.

The entire January 20, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!