SAXON Evans hasn’t had the easiest of times since being diagnosed with the rare Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.
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The syndrome can cause vision loss, obesity and kidney abnormalities, among other impacts.
But Saxon’s life became a little easier yesterday thanks to Sean Griffiths and the Bathurst Freedom Riders, who raised almost $1800 to buy Saxon some new orthopaedic shoes to replace the ones he has outgrown.
The Bathurst chapter of the Freedom Riders held a social ride to Millthorpe, one of three fundraising activities held by the group in the past week.
Mr Griffiths said the Freedom Riders hoped to show a positive side to motorcycle clubs.
“We raise money to help children,” he said.
“We knew Sharon [Saxon’s mum] was struggling, so this year we picked her [to help]. Next year we will choose someone else.”
Mr Griffiths said Saxon had outgrown his shoes – which he only got last year – so quickly because of the syndrome’s effect on his growth.
“Our goal has been to raise enough to buy him new ones; anything else is a bonus,” he said.
Mr Griffiths is confident the group of riders will go close to raising the $1800.
“We held a barbecue at Masters last week and raised $800, and we took buckets around the shops raising another $400. With today’s ride, we got $10 per bike, plus we have raffles, which I’m hoping will get us to $1800.”
Mrs Evans, Saxon’s mum, said she was overwhelmed by the efforts.
“When I woke up this morning and saw the weather I thought there would be a maximum of five riders here, but they just kept rolling in,” she said.
“What Sean has done for us is unbelievable.”