Ray's Ride | Asbestos awareness

Ray's Ride Ray Colbert has a mission: To raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure in our community, and to raise much needed funds for asbestos disease research. Ray knows only too well the effects of asbestos disease, having himself been diagnosed with asbestosis. Despite the significant challenges Ray faces each day as a result of this sinister disease, he will embark on a heroic journey to ride his wheelchair from Toowoomba to Brisbane to achieve his mission. Ray will commence his journey at 11am on the 21st November 2011 at Bunnings Warehouse, 316 Taylor Street, Toowoomba. He will stop at numerous locations along the way to give talks and attend community events. He will arrive at St Stephen's Cathedral on Elizabeth Street in the Brisbane CBD at 11am on 25 November 2011, attending the Ecumenical Service to pay tribute to those who have passed away from asbestos disease. We encourage you to support Ray and his cause by donating at www.everydayhero.com.au/Ride_for_research. Any donation, no matter what size, will help Ray achieve his mission. Meet Ray Ray Colbert was born in Western Queensland, moving to Brisbane in his childhood. Ray spent more than ten years of his life in the Navy, and it was during this time that he was first exposed to asbestos. In 2002, Ray was diagnosed with asbestosis, a scarring or fibrosis of the lung tissue that occurs when the body's own immune system fails to expel asbestos fibres. It is a slow onset disease, with shortness of breath on exertion generally being the first noticeable symptom Committed to protecting others from the terrible effects of asbestos related diseases, Ray joined the Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society (QARDSS) in 2005 and has been an active member of the society ever since and is now the secretary. His passion and incredible drive for helping others have been an inspiration to all those who have met him, and with this motivation, he hopes to stir up support within the wider community. QARDSS The Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to assisting the community by providing support to those who have been affected by asbestos related diseases, whether they are sufferers, family members, friends, co-workers or carers. As a self-funded organisation, the Society is run by volunteers, many of whom themselves have asbestos related diseases. Our focus is on creating awareness and supporting the growing number of sufferers of asbestos-related diseases, now and into the future. We offer our members a number of services, including support groups and morning teas to reduce isolation, empower individuals and restore hope. For more information on the Society, visit www.asbestosdiseasesupport.org.au

via raysride.com.au

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