Riders take on Legacy challenge

Dedicated police and civilian riders are one week away from getting on their bikes to help the families of fallen officers and are calling on the public to get involved.

The WA Police Legacy Karratha to Broome Bike Marathon returns for its 23rd year on August 10-11, with about 40 riders and 70 support crew members — the biggest contigent in years — taking part.

The challenging 850km event is the premier fundraiser for WA Police Legacy, a charity that provides financial and emotional assistance to family members of officers killed or incapacitated in the line of duty.

Ride co-ordinator and Karratha police Senior Constable Kelsie Green said with the risks police work entailed, the charity was a source of invaluable support for the families of officers Statewide.

“Anything, any time, could happen to any one of us, whether that be at work or ... at a sporting event, and it’s just good to know that if something happens to us, that our families are going to be looked after by our family in blue,” she said.

Sen. Const. Green said the raffle, which includes a camper trailer valued at $18,500, was going well, but monetary or gift donations were welcome, with this year’s event in need of extra food donations to sustain riders.

Karratha International Hotel general manager Glenn Barnes will be a first-time rider this year and said he had been inspired to take part by the charity’s important work.

“There will be plenty of sore bums and the legs will be on fire, but nothing will taste as sweet as that cold beer at the finish line and knowing we have made a difference to Police Legacy,” he said.

“It’s such a worthy, worthy cause, it really is — helping all those families,” he said.

Pilbara District Police Superintendent Paul Coombes and officers from Karratha, Port Hedland and Newman will also be taking part in the marathon.

To donate, volunteer or buy a raffle ticket, go to the Karratha Police Station during business hours or email kelsie.green@police.wa.gov.au.