Fourteen police officers and Woolworths employees hit the road last month as part of a huge fundraising ride, which covered more than 800 kilometres. 

Woolworths Ballarat store manager and ride organiser Shane Darroch came up with the idea to honour the legacy of his mother, Pat Darroch, who died earlier this year after a long history of volunteering with Cops ‘n’ Kids.

“Both of my parents have put a lot of their time into Cops ‘n’ Kids and when my mum passed away I knew I wanted to keep her legacy alive and this seemed like a good way to do it,” he said.

The ride was the first of its kind and saw the likes of AFL star Danny Frawley and cycle team the Jayco Flyers join in the final stage of the ride from Maryborough to Ballarat.

Mr Darroch said the camps were vital for kids and their families. 

“It is important to give these kids and their families a bit of respite,” he said. 

Mr Darroch said the event had inspired him to continue it annually and he was already thinking about next year. 

“It’s good knowing it will benefit the kids and, at the end of the day, it’s all about the kids.

“A lot of people who got involved got a lot out of it. Next year will hopefully be bigger and better.”