We asked some of our EB Cross Country Adventure Ride 2014 Team to tell us their stories in their own words, so you can get to know the people who were riding or driving across Queensland to raise donations and awareness for DEBRA’s National EB Nurse Program. We love them and we just know you will too!
Riders
Brad Taylor
Age – 46
Where born – Gladstone 1966
Where living – Blackwater, Central Queensland
Occupation – Heavy Machine Operator/Coal Miner
Bike – 2007 KTM 990 Adventure S
Philosophy on life – Work to Live not Live to Work, and enjoy it while your here.
Most interesting person I’ve met – My Father
Involvement with DEBRA – Initially I became involved through the 2011 Ride and help out where I can.
Andrew Tate
Age – 36
Born – Toowoomba
Currently living – Toowoomba
My Work – Refrigeration mechanic P&T Air and Electrical Pty Ltd
Bike – BMW 800GS
Involvement in DEBRA – Go on the bike ride every year if I can
Most interesting person I’ve met – My Grandad who was World War 2 Veteran
Philosophy on life – Happy Wife happy life (it’s a work in progress…)
What I would wish for if I could wish for anything – To stay on my bike a little longer during the DEBRA ride.
Wade Platz
Age – 34
Born – Toowoomba
Currently living – Toowoomba
My Work – Electrician with P&T
Bike – BMW f800gs
Involvement in DEBRA – Yearly EB Ride
Most interesting person I’ve met – Grandmother.
Philosophy on life – if you’re going to do something, do it properly.
What I would wish for – more wishes; I only get one?
Anthony Bonaccorso
Age – 39
Born – Brisbane
Currently living – Brisbane
My work – Business Development Manager for the Motor Trades Association of Queensland
Bike – Trusty Suzuki DR650
Involvement with DEBRA – Sweep rider for EB Cross Country ride
Most interesting person I have met – Doug Fleming (who recently passed with terminal cancer)
Philosophy on life – KISS (keep it simple stupid)
What I would wish for – That the surf is up when I go and it rains the night before a midweek blast through the forest 🙂
Officials
Lindsey Collier – Photographer
Age – 24
Where Born – Toowoomba
Currently living – Brisbane
My Work – Photographer/ Student
Involvement in DEBRA – Volunteer Photographer
Most interesting person I’ve met – Probably Mr Mad-Matt Mirecki or professionally Damien Bredberg
What I would wish for if I could wish for anything – hmmm hard one, just to be happy and healthy always… or possibly to spend a week with Lara Jade
Simone Baird (DEBRA Family Support Coordinator)
Age – 41
Where Born – Noble Park, Melbourne
Currently living – Rowville, Melbourne
My Work – Family Support Program Coordinator (part time)
Involvement in DEBRA – After our daughter Eliza was born with EB I became a DEBRA Victoria committee member for 10 ½ years, DEBRA Victoria Co-ordinator for 3 years & DEBRA Australia Family Support Co-ordinator for past 7 months. Represent and support families living with EB. Working to provide families with better care and support services and to raise awareness and funds for Family Support and DEBRA.
Most interesting person I’ve met – All families caring for children / adults living with EB are interesting and remarkable people and Dr Tom Connell, Infectious Diseases Consultant and Paediatrician at RCH Melbourne.
Philosophy on life – Work hard and results will follow
What I would wish for if I could wish for anything – a cure for EB and in the meantime a pain free, happy & fulfilling existence for all individuals living with EB.