A wave of local generosity swept through Port Douglas on Wednesday, 2 September, raising nearly $19,000 as the community rallied for Victorian rider Nigel Howard on his epic 20,000-kilometre solo motorbike trek around Australia.

Stopping at Crystalbrook Marina’s Boat House Venue during his “MND Beast Challenge,” Howard was met with a 12-bike guard of honour and huge community support, raising vital funds for FightMND, Australia's leading charity finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.

Local event organiser Ronni Leigh, who helped bring the event together in memory of her late partner Mark Torjussen, said the turnout showed the true heart of the community:

“Every town has a heartbeat, and Port Douglas' is found in our residents, visitors, and our incredible business sector. 

“This was never truer than just recently, when our community rallied together for a phenomenal cause, proving that while our corner of paradise is laid-back and inviting to our visitors, our collective strength is powerful.

“I was asked to help Nigel Howard on his MND Beast Challenge to bring my community together for Nigel’s friend and mentor, Col McColloch, who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. 

“Having previously been involved at a media level in fundraising efforts inspired by the legendary Neale Daniher and FightMND, the core motivation to be a part of this incredibly worthy cause is deeply personal. 

“It is a mission close to my heart after caring for my life partner, Mark Torjussen, for three years before he lost his fight to this devastating condition. A Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis can leave an entire family fighting in the dark and alone.

“As a local of 36 years, my heart was full to see so many generous people—the absolute fabric of our town—come together for this major fundraising event. 

“The evening evolved around an epic journey: Nigel Howard is currently halfway through circumnavigating Australia on his massive 20,000-kilometre MND Beast Challenge. 

“Riding solo on his motorbike to turn personal heartbreak into absolute action, Nigel rolled into town to a magnificent guard of honour and a wave of pure local support. 

“A special mention must go to Tropical Trike Tours Port Douglas, where Laurie did a spectacular job escorting Nigel into town and leading our local convoy before a whirlwind two hours, where our community pulled off an absolutely staggering achievement, raising just a few dollars under the $19,000 mark.

Driven by overwhelming support across the country, Nigel’s nationwide campaign has already surpassed an incredible $180,000 raised so far.