Ride for Matt this May 22nd

Never one to let adversity hold him back, Matt has gone on to establish his own business, Shark Leathers, which started selling riding apparel and safety gear earlier this year.

While his new business gains momentum, Matt wants to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries, as well as funds for the Spinal Injuries Association, by holding a motorbike ride convoy on Sunday, 22 May.

Ride participants are asked to first register for the ride by contacting Kerry-Anne at Shark Leathers (details below - you can also register on the day). From 7:00AM on May 22, registered riders will congregate at Shark Leathers' premises (Shop 10/142 Signato Drive, Helensvale). The ride will depart at 9:00AM and return to Shark at 12 noon, where a number of local stallholders will be set up in the carpark.

"I've been surrounded by a supportive family and my fiancé (Kylie Taggart), and have been fortunate to keep living a great life, so I want to give something back," Matt said.

"I'm going to be involved in the event by riding a trike and we expect over 1000 participants to get involved on the day. The more the merrier though - registrations will be taken prior to and on the day "

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Mark Henley said Matt's positivity and motivation demonstrated that life did not stop just because you had a spinal cord injury.
"Yes, there's no question that a permanent injury is challenging. But, it's not a life sentence filled with hope and despair.

"We're inspired each day by our 2,000 members and clients throughout Queensland who are living their lives to the fullest, just differently than they used to."

You can register for Matt's motorcycle fundraiser by phoning (07) 5573 5118 or emailing [email protected].

UPDATE: The ride will depart from Shark Leathers at Helensvale (near Movie World and Wet 'n' Wild),touring the outskirts of Oxenford, on through Maudsland, MountNathan and Clagiraba, on to abreakfast/coffee stop at Canungra. The return leg takes in Witheren, Beechmont and the outskirts of Nerang, before heading backup the M1 to Shark, which will be open all day for riders to check out their range. Total ride distance is just under 100kms. The stallholders will comprise market-style stalls and local businesses.