12 March 2010

At a time in life when most people are putting up their feet, 62-year-old Geoff Hoddinott is doing the exact opposite. Geoff is cycling solo 16,000 kms around Australia to raise funds for The Asthma Foundation of Victoria.

Asthma is something well known to Geoff and his family. He has had the condition since childhood. One of his three daughters, Nicole, 31, has asthma and nearly died from an allergic reaction as a child.

Geoff, who has worked in the wool industry for years, is from Leopold on the Bellarine Peninsula. He leaves Queenscliff on Sunday, March 14 and is peddling on his trek7200 hybrid cycle east across Victoria, then north through NSW and Queensland before heading west. He plans to ride up to 80 kms a day during his circumnavigation of Australia, with a rest every third or fourth day.

Geoff aims, or rather has, to be back in Melbourne by December 12 so he can celebrate his wife, Evon’s 60th birthday.

“I just want people to know that you are never too old to achieve something,” says Geoff. “I also want to raise funds to support people with asthma, since I know first hand how tough it can be. I had it pretty bad as a child and still have it occasionally these days.”

Geoff can be contacted during his cycle around Australia on 0409 847 847.

Donations to Geoff’s initiative in support of The Asthma Foundation of Victoria can be made on his web page at: www.mycause.com.au/geoffsride2010

Media liaison James Nevein, Communications Manager, Asthma Foundation of Victoria Phone: (03) 9326 7088 or 0418 140 402 Email jnevein@asthma.org.au