Father rides to raise awareness
THE tragic loss of a daughter led David Gough to do something to raise awareness of organ donation.
His second annual Organ Donation Awareness Ride (ODAR) started on Saturday, February 4 from the steps of Old Parliament House, Canberra and will finish in Canberra on Friday, February 24 during Organ Donation Awareness Week.
Mr Gough, from Cowra, New South Wales, will ride his BMW GSR motorcycle 8000 kilometres through 100 cities and towns, including the local towns of Welshpool, Foster, Inverloch, Cape Paterson and Cowes.
“I get to travel and raise awareness; it’s the perfect mix. I want people to discover facts through looking at the website (www.donatelife.com.au) and registering to be an organ donor,” Mr Gough said.
He also believes it is very important to discuss your decision with your family. When his daughter Melody passed away in 2009 after a motor vehicle accident aged just 26, her wish was to donate her organs to give the gift of life. She saved three lives.
When The Star spoke to Mr Gough in Inverloch yesterday (Tuesday) he said he was so glad the media was following him.
“The trip has been going well so far. I spoke to 38 Rotarians in Foster last night (Monday) and I am speaking to Flying Doctor schools in South Australia and the Northern Territory,” Mr Gough said.
He started riding to raise awareness last year , covering 5000 kilometres around New South Wales and he has more trips planned for 2013 and 2014. “Next year I want to go from Perth
Riding for a cause: David Gough is riding his motorcycle around Australia to increase people’s knowledge of organ donation.
to Exmouth and then in 2014 I want to head down to Tasmania,” he said.
In September/October, Mr Gough will travel from Canberra to Melbourne to Sydney and then to Newcastle for the Transplant Australia Games.
On his current travels he has taken a small portion of the Book of Life, with stories from organ recipients from the areas he is visiting. Along with his bike, Mr Gough has attached a small trailer with fridge. To follow Mr Gough’s travels visit his website www.odar.com.au.
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