John Nelson, a 62 year old retired plumber and Ted Lowe a 66 year old former RAAF Warrant Officer is riding, by way of the west cost of Australia is raise funds for the Bionic Ear Institute and benefits the Meningitis Foundation. Funds raised for the Bionic Ear Institute will be used to further research into the development of a dual ear implant, which when fitted to very young profoundly deaf children will enable them to attend mainstream schooling at the same level as hearing children. John and wife Kay have raised four children, two of whom were born profoundly deaf. So John has been able to recognise the great benefits of this development and what it would have meant to his children had it been available. John's interest in the Meningitis Foundation follows his fight with Meningococcal Meningitis in June 2002, as a result of which he lost both legs below the knee.

Monies raised for the Foundation will be used to create awareness of the Meningitis and to assist in the ongoing support of the victims in their recovery.

John Nelson is a long time member of Rotary and his home club, the Rotary Club of Mitchell River has endorsed the fund raising effort and is asking for the support of the Rotary Clubs along the route. The two riders will be in contact with all the Rotary Clubs involved and will be addressing Rotary Clubs where possible.

Any contributions over two dollars donated to this cause will be tax deductible and of course, are not restricted to Rotary members only.