It’s the third long-distance ride Josh has undertaken in honour of his grandfather, Barry, who suffered six debilitating strokes before his death last year.

Josh was just completing his year 10 exams at the time of Barry’s first stroke, and dropped everything to be with his much-loved grandfather, who lived on a farm on the Sunshine Coast.

“My grandfather was a self-reliant and strong person. Seeing him helpless really hit home and I became depressed,” says Josh.

Josh started riding a bike around the farm as an outlet to cope with his depression and the stress of nursing his frail grandfather. This experience inspired him to do his first charity ride from Canberra to Sydney in 2013.

“When I told my grandfather the idea, he shed a tear. We had such a special connection,” says Josh.  

Last year, Josh cycled to Melbourne, and has raised a total of $20,000 for the National Stroke Foundation.

Josh has now started his own charity, Stroke Support & Awareness Australia, which will direct funds to purchase equipment for the Canberra Hospital Stroke Unit, support rehabilitation in the home programs and counselling for stroke victims and their families.

“Funds from Stroke Support & Awareness Australia will be used to help in a very practical way,” Josh says.

“And, most importantly, it will go to raise awareness of stroke and of the vital first signs that are critical to know to save lives.”

This week’s ride will see Josh pedal 2200kms – his longest journey to date – to Barry’s farm at Peachester on the Sunshine Coast. Along the route, Josh and his team of volunteers will stop to collect donations.

“It’s pretty ambitious for a 17-year-old, but I’ll get there,” says Josh.

To donate, text “Josh” at 0437 371371 to receive a link to the online donation page.