MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE TEAM ✦

2025 RIDE

  • MAT TOWNSEND

    CYCLIST & FOUNDER OF LHL

    My daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of two in 2017.

    Having this happen directly to our family and seeing the impact cancer has on other kids first hand was devastating.

    Jumping onboard to challenge myself

    and raise funds for lion hearts learning was a no brainer.

    I’m looking forward to and am excited to be part of such an amazing event.

  • ROBERT LEE

    CYCLIST & EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER

    Hi I’m Robert Lee & my favourite activity is cycling. Hearing that there is a chance to ride a challenging distance for me, meet new people & raise money for children in need, made signing up a no brainer.

    When you’re at my stage in life, it’s all about giving back & this is just something I can do to help & enjoy a new experience at the same time. I’ll be the official photographer & can’t wait to capture the heart & soul of the journey.

  • TONY RITSON

    CYCLIST & LHL BOARD MEMBER

    Lion Hearts Learning is very close to my Heart. My Sister in Law and Brother in Law founded LHL when their daughter, my niece, was diagnosed with leukaemia.

    I am now proudly on the board for this charity and see first hand the amazing support and opportunity it gives kids and families during their cancer diagnosis and journey.

    Cycling is a passion of mine and I look forward to this passion being able to help Lion Hearts Learning continue to provide this amazing support.

  • PAUL GARNER

    CYCLIST

    I’m just keen to support a great cause and be involved in a tough event that requires focus, dedication and supporting those less fortunate!

  • KOBI RITSON

    CYCLIST

    My name is Kobi Ritson and I’m passionate about helping people who have been impacted by cancer.

    My cousin, Codee-Jo was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and I’ve seen how much families go through during such a horrible time. But, from this, our organisation Lion Hearts Learning was formed and we now try and help as many people as we can.

  • TRAVIS PARKER

    CYCLIST

    My name is Travis Parker I’m fast approaching 50 and I’m keen bike rider, I was lucky enough to be asked along to the inaugural Lionheart’s ride last year 2023,

    Which gave me a great insight into the moving pieces and workings of this wonderful charity. To learn of the gaps that exist for oncology kids and their direct family members in early years education, gave me a great sense of purpose to raise some much-needed funds. I look forward to the next challenge with a group of likeminded Legends once again.

  • JAI WAIN

    CYCLIST

    I have been involved with charity events like this on a few occasions and having the privilege to hear the stories of families touched by cancer is overwhelming. Having now found Lion Hearts Learning and being apart of their first ride in 2023, then seeing the difference they make to so many after, it really is an easy choice to put my legs on the line again and raise awareness for them.

  • CRAIG HUTCHENS

    CYCLIST

    As a keen cyclist I was honoured to be asked to be an on-road captain. It is a privilege to help guide our team from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise funds to such a deserving charity and provide support to children going through their cancer journey. 

  • GAVIN FATHERS

    CYCLIST

    Lion Hearts Learning provides invaluable support to families affected by cancer. They create a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow, despite the challenges of illness. I discovered the amazing efforts of Lion Hearts Learning when I met Jo and Mat at another charity event. Although I missed the chance to join the first Lion Hearts Learning ride in 2023, I’m excited to participate this year. I am eager to support this wonderful Adelaide charity by raising funds and awareness to assist families in need.

  • MARK HARRIS

    CYCLIST

    My Name is Mark Harris. I am a husband and father, have an amazing family and very aware of the impacts cancer can have on any family.Every kid deserves the chance to play, socialise, laugh, learn and enjoy all the things that kids should be doing in those pre-school years.

    LHL’s passion and commitment for making this happen for children and their families that have been impacted by cancer is inspirational.

    Riding from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise funds and support this fantastic work for me is a no brainer. I am excited to be a part of the Lion Hearts Ride 2025 riding over 1000km to raise vital funds and to support the ongoing work and commitment of this amazing charity.

  • DANNY LEVERINK

    CYCLIST

    I participate to help create awareness for the LHL Foundation and to raise necessary funds that support so many families affected by Cancers.

    It’s a physically demanding week that hopefully inspires others to contribute or get involved in some capacity.

  • JACK GREEN

    CYCLIST

    Hi my name is Jack Green,  I have been very close with the Ritson’s family for many of years and Codee-Jo’s story has touched my heart.  I am keen to raise money to help other children in a similar situation. It is a great cause and opportunity to get fit and out on a bike, I look forwards to riding along side my dad and close friends. Please support me as I fundraise for Lion Hearts Learning 

  • GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS

    CYCLIST

    After participating in the LHR as a support crew member in 2023, I was so inspired by the stories and the riders that I decided I wanted to give the next ride a crack myself. 

    Starting the week with a bunch of strangers and ending it like a family was truly an incredible experience, and one I want to be part of again. It’s a great opportunity to generate awareness for this amazing charity and hopefully raise lots of funds.

  • MATTHEW GREEN

    CYCLIST

    I have enjoyed cycling for many years,  I look forward to the challenge of riding from Adelaide to Melbourne in support of Lion Hearts Learning 

    Having the opportunity to help improve the day to day life of children affected by cancer is a privilege.

    I am very pleased my son Jack is also participating in this ride. It will be great to complete this together. 

  • STEPHEN HANDRICK

    CYCLIST

    This ride for me is all about the wonderful support Lion Hearts Learning provides families. I am looking forward to taking on this challenge with a great bunch of riders and support crew and to do my little bit for the best of causes.

  • EDDIE BYE

    CYCLIST

    Everyone has been touched by Cancer, but when it affects young kids, it’s downright unfair. I’ll ride from Adelaide to Melbourne – battling every kilometre, to make sure our Little Lions get a break from their own battle. Donate now and power this Pride to Ride.

  • SHAUN SIMS

    CYCLIST

    Lion Heart Learning is an awesome charity doing wonderful things for families affected by cancer. When I was asked to be a part of the inaugural Lion Hearts Ride to Melbourne in 2023 to raise awareness and fund to help them grow and help more families in need, it was a no brainer.

    So when I was asked to do it again and being able to spend a week with a bunch of old and new friends all with the same drive to support Lion Hearts Learning and each other makes for an unforgettable week. 

  • LEIGH PEDRICK

    CYCLIST

    Feeling super pumped to be asked to be involved with this amazing charity event.

    Unfortunately cancer touches all of us in one way or another. I have lost friends and family to this awful disease.

    I do love a challenge, but knowing we are helping others through this great charity makes it easier to push that bit more.

    Can't wait to hit the road!

  • BRENTON LUNN

    CYCLIST

    Looking forward to being involved with the 2025 Lion Hearts Ride to raise funds for this great charity.

    Excited but somewhat nervous about the 7 solid days of riding from Adelaide to Melbourne, which is nowhere near as tough a challenge as it would be for the children and their families challenged by cancer.

  • ADAM MARSDEN

    CYCLIST

    Riding from Adelaide to Melbourne for the second time to support Lion Hearts Learning, a charity close to my heart. My first journey was unforgettable with absolutely amazing people, and as a parent, this cause resonates deeply. Proud to ride for those who need us most.

  • SHANE FARLEY

    CYCLIST

    I’m riding from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise funds for Lion Hearts Learning, a non-for profit playgroup/preschool thats supports children and their families affected by cancer and other health issues that result in low immunity.

  • PAUL BENNETT

    CYCLIST

    I am super excited to have been offered the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Lion Hearts Ride from Adelaide to Melbourne.

    Having been witness to the effects of cancer and seeing the hardship people endure, it is the least I can do to help raise funds for such a worthy cause.

    I look forward to meeting all the people involved in the ride and the challenges that await. Albeit somewhat nervously.

  • DAN MARTENS

    CYCLIST

    When asked if I was interested to join this years Lion Hearts ride, I decided that this was a great opportunity to not only challenge myself, but more so do something that supports the awesome work that LHL does for so many kids that are facing challenges far bigger than anything i've ever had to deal with. Matt, Jo, Tony & Sash are long time friends and I feel privileged and grateful for the opportunity to be involved and contribute to the amazing work they do.