THE largest motorbike desert race in Australia may be more than five months away, but Jackie Peacock is already off to a winning start.
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The Ballarat motorcycle rider will compete in the gruelling Hattah Desert Race in July to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation – a charity close to her heart.
A McGrath Foundation breast care nurse helped Ms Peacock’s mum, Wendy Peacock, through her illness in 2015.
“Late last year my mum was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She had a lump in her right breast and had it removed. She went through chemotherapy and spent some time in hospital,” Ms Peacock said.
“During her recovery she was supported by so many fantastic organisations, including The McGrath Foundation, who helped her out tremendously. This is just my way of paying them back.
“The McGrath Foundation only had one nurse to look after my mum because they don’t have enough funds to have nurses everywhere.”
Ms Peacock, who competed in the Hattah Desert Race last year, decided to combine the two endeavours and has since raised more than $3000.
“I put my donation page on Facebook last week and it just went mad and we raised $3000 in a week,” Ms Peacock said.
“I was blown away by the support. I was hoping to raise $2000 so now I’m trying to raise as much as I can. I’m hoping for $10,000. Everyone’s been really supportive, especially towards my mum. It’s been great and I’d really like to thank them for their support.”
Ms Peacock said she never competed in motorcycle racing to win.
“I just love the sport. It’s just something I really enjoy and I like getting out there and having a go,” she said.
Ms Peacock would love to finish the gruelling 266 kilometres (38 kilometres per lap) race that takes place just outside Mildura between July 1 and 3.
“My goal this year would just be to finish the full race. I’m training already for it and will be doing heaps of gym work to prepare myself,” she said.
“Just to be up there and giving it a go that’ll be great. It’s an awesome event. It’s the best one I’ve done.”
Ms Peacock is hoping to conduct an auction. Anything that can be auctioned will be gratefully accepted as donations.
To make a donation please visit Ms Peacock’s Facebook page, Racing Hattah for Breast Cancer Fundraiser www.facebook.com/hattahforbreastcancer.
