Paul Richardson - Riding into recovery

This is a fundraiser for Paul Richardson, who plans to cycle roughly 27,000km around Australia to share his experiences around alcohol, recovery and finding hope.

For the past few months, he has had a solid training schedule, riding nearly 100km every day. He is – in his own words – a bundle of health, both mentally and physically, and he can not wait to set off on his grand adventure.

It is a very different picture to the Paul Richardson of two years ago, whose future looked decidedly bleak.

“I had been through a marriage breakdown. I am aware this happens to many people, but I decided to solve my personal trauma by using alcohol," he recalls.

He eventually became a client of Hope Community Services (HOPE), and with education and support, he has been able to turn his life around. He now wants to share his experiences with others as he cycles around the country.

"I want to talk to others about everything I have learned. I know how difficult it can be when you are in the middle of it all, you don't see how one step in the right direction can make a difference," he says.

"I was there, and then something clicked for me. I began to understand that every one of your thoughts, your words and your deeds can make a difference to your future.

"I have been fortunate that I have had HOPE to help me take the right steps."

All the funds raised will be going directly to Paul to cover essentials such as food and cycling equipment. The money will not be used to fund accommodation - Paul is staying in a tent along the way.

Any surplus funds will be divided and donated to HOPE, Royal Flying Doctors Services, Kalgoorlie Health Campus and Esperance Health Campus.