Local university student Steph Schultz will be doing something unique (and very impressive) to raise money this September.
Taking part in the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s Tour de Kids, Steph has her sights set on riding 120km over the month … on one wheel.
Receiving her first unicycle at 12 years of age, Steph describes herself as someone who is always looking for a challenge or something new to try.
“My family ride bikes a lot so we would always ride to places like church,” she said.
“I got quite good at riding a bike and was doing a lot of no-handers, so I decided to move onto the unicycle.
“It’s something that I really enjoy doing, but as well as that, it’s something other people enjoy as well. Sometimes I’ll just have it with me or ride past a kid and I can see a smile light up their face.”
Studying Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra, Steph said she has always had a passion for working with kids.
While only learning more about the Starlight Children’s Foundation through deciding to participate in the Tour de Kids, she now aims to raise $1,000 for the worthy cause.
“I knew bits about how they granted wishes for sick children but basically looked them up more when I decided to take part in Tour de Kids,” she said.
“I think it’s a great cause to be raising money for and I have always been really passionate about working with kids and letting kids be kids.”
So far, there are 1,165 cyclists signed up to take part in the challenge, with over $300,000 raised.
To reach her goal, Steph needs to ride 4km per day – rain, hail or shine – throughout September.
“It doesn’t sound like much for a bike, but I only have a 24-inch wheel so I only ride 8km an hour. That means I have to do around 30 minutes a day,” she said.
“I am planning on doing it around Lake Ginninderra and riding when I go to the shops instead of walking.”
To see Steph’s Tour de Kids profile or donate to her ride, visit tourdekids.org.au/unisteph.
