You can’t keep a good man down, so when Mick Simpson begrudgingly accepted the advice of his doctor not to tackle his usual 200km trek from Kyabram to Melbourne — in the name of supporting people living with dementia — he was always going to find another way to raise some money.
And, in keeping with the traditional sayings that are a part of the Kyabram community leader’s vocabulary, “the show will roll on”.
Mick and his support team will revert to a tried and true method to raise the money that is usually injected into the dementia organisation that he was so integral in starting.
Kyabram’s second Dementia Ride and Drive Day will be held on Saturday, April 6, repeating an event staged two years ago as an addition to one of Mick’s five country-to-city walks.
The event will wind its way through the back roads, from Allan St in Kyabram to Undera, starting at 10am and finishing with lunch at a popular watering hole, the Undera Hotel.
“We’ll be taking the long way round,” Mick said, explaining that all funds would be directed toward the Kyabram Dementia and Carers Group.
The dementia group has continued to gather momentum since being the first in the region to offer support services for people suffering from the debilitating neurological disorder.
A group has since started at Echuca, inspired by the efforts of a few motivated individuals at Kyabram.
Mick said the ride and drive attracted motorcycles and vehicles of various shapes and sizes the last time.
"We had about 45 cars and bikes last time. We went through Rushworth and Murchison and Shepparton before we ended up at Undera,’’ he said.
“There is a new publican at Undera, Brett, and he has been really supportive.’’
Mick said the only real stipulation for the event was that the means of transport had to have an engine.
“They can ride on or in anything other than a push bike,’’ he said.
“Just as long as they bring a smile and a joke.’’
Mick’s nephew, Steve Simpson, has been a constant supporter of his uncle since his diagnosis in 2018
“When Mick was diagnosed he was virtually told to go home and put up with it,’’ Steve said.
“There wasn’t much of a support network around and he just was not prepared to accept that.
“There was not a lot of help around, so he decided him help himself — and so many others.’’
The concept of regular events is to promote the availability of support groups further and encourage more people to seek support for their condition.
“We still meet every month at Kyabram and Community Learning Centre, in Lake Rd, so if you are a dementia sufferer or have a member of your family affected by dementia then come and see us at KCLC,” Mick said
Since he started raising funds, Mick has completed six walks and, on the last Thursday of the month, is always at the front of the room to welcome the 25 regulars who attend the monthly gatherings.
“The Echuca group starts a couple of months ago and we have offered to help wherever we can,” he said.
Mick’s next target was trying to assist people who are impacted by child dementia.
One in 2800 babies are born with dementia; it is certainly not just an older person’s thing anymore.
The cost of entry for the April 6 event is just $5 (plus the cost of your fuel). Participants are asked to gather at Kyabram Memorial Gardens in Allan St at 10am — then follow the leader to the ultimate destination, Undera Hotel.
“The event is for anyone who wants a good day out. It will end there with a lunch,” Mick said.
For information, contact Mick Simpson on 0473 470 616.