Australasian biker news

AUSTRALASIAN BIKER NEWS

REELING from the loss of their son – and a massive financial debt as a result of his hospital treatment – Tamworth's Sheridan family has found great comfort in the growing community
support.

But a lack of government assistance, as they tried to get their son home alive, and after his death, has left them bitter and angry.

The Sheridans were left with debts of more than US$150,000 when their son Mark was hospitalised and later died in Canada earlier this year. Mark was attending the World Transplant Games, as a first stop in his around the world trip.

His parents, June and Lawrie, and sister Vicki are still grieving for their much-loved son and brother, but the community support has helped.

Tamworth's Rebel Motorcycle Club is the newest group to join a growing network of fundraisers helping to cover the family's medical and travel bills.

"I told Mark, when I got to Canada, that the community was raising money to get him home. That's all he wanted, to come home," Mrs Sheridan said.

She said she was still angry and hurt over the failure of government officials to help get their son home.

"They gave us a flag to drape over his coffin, but that's it," she said.

"Our government seems so willing to help everyone overseas, such as the victims in Bali but not my son.

"The Bali bombing is very sad and I feel so sorry for the people caught up in it. Mark was representing his country at the Games but he was just one person, I suppose."

The willingness of supporters, such as the Rebels, has surprised Mrs Sheridan, but it's a welcome one.

"It's been amazing. It's definitely been a comfort knowing so many people are willing to help," Mrs Sheridan said.

The Rebels are planning a poker run for the second weekend of the Country Music Festival, on Saturday, January 21.

Chief organiser Aaron Simmonds said they had already received a long list of supporters, such as bike shops and takeaway store The Corner Shack in South Tamworth, willing to donate food and prizes.

Mrs Sheridan said Mark, well-known for his love of life and "toys", had once owned a bike.

"Dr Trollor was his doctor at the time and all he could say was 'not another one Mark'. He already had a jetski and horse and then he went down to get a scooter and came back with a bike," she said.

Mrs Sheridan doesn't think she'll be joining the boys on the poker run but is more than grateful for their support. With the help of groups, such as the West Wanderers Social Group, and fellow fundraiser Donny Pascoe – who's organised a garden makeover raffle – almost $10,000 has been raised.

"Our group has previously helped larger national societies like the MS or kids with cancer but this time we can see the money going directly to someone in need," Mr Simmonds said.

There are further fundraisers being organised and anyone interested in buying a raffle ticket in the garden makeover can find them in a number of Tamworth businesses, including St George, The Leader office and The Corner Shack.