Meet the inaugural Oqea team for the 2021 Hawaiian Ride For Youth. Get to know the men who are doing the hard yards, waking at 4am most mornings and cycling 200 kms per week to raise funds for youth mental health and why the cause is so important to them personally.

Phil's Story

Name: Phil Renshaw

Nickname: Phiery

Rides: 11

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2021 will see me complete my11th Hawaiian Ride for Youth. Why do I ride? People often ask me why I get out of bed at 4.30 in the morning 4 or 5 days a week to train in all sorts of weather and then ride 700 kms from Albany to Perth (in all sorts of weather). The answer is simple.

We have 6 older children who have successfully navigated their teens, and although there have been bumps along the way, all are in a pretty good place. However, and as disappointing as it is, the numbers of Western Australian youth challenged by mental illness continues to rise.

If you or your family have not been touched by mental illness or suicide, you are extremely lucky. I had a brother take his own life and at least one of our kids has lost a friend to suicide. If riding a bike can help me raise some money to allow Youth Focus to continue to provide valuable, free support to our challenged youth, then I'll ride that bike (in all sorts of weather) and over whatever distance it takes to have you put your hand in your pocket and donate to our cause.

Marty's Story

Name: Martyn Weir

Nickname: Marty

Rides: This is Marty's first ride

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In 2020 I started a new chapter in my life by joining Oqea, a wellbeing and mental health digital platform that has a clear purpose, creating a place for connected wellbeing, for everyone, everywhere.

It also triggered a long-term desire to join the ride, because over the years I have heard so many great stories about the impact it has on our children and youth. Why do I ride? I was exposed to suicide and mental health when a close family took his life as a teenager. The impact it left on his family and friends was devastating. That was over 30 years ago and since then I have been exposed to many stories of mental health in our society, whether it is impacting our youth, employees, family and mates.

Life is also about building resilience which has been tested many times through my life and career. I have learnt that you can do a lot by taking a proactive approach to your own and others wellbeing. It starts by breaking down the stigma of mental health and the fact that many suffer in isolation.

Please support myself, my team and the ride to continue the success of making a difference to our youth.

Grant’s Story

Name: Grant Adendorff

Rides: This is Grant's first ride

Why do I ride? As global stressors mount, the importance of supporting youth mental health is only going to increase. We must all be playing an active role in supporting those around us, and also be brave to speak out when we need a hand.

Unlike some of the amazing riders taking part in the ride, I don't have inspirational experiences to engage the school students. Also, other than being someone to listen and ask if you are ok, I am not equipped to help those who need it. These things aside, I want to help to support those who really can make a difference. Whether that's supporting a teammate through the ride, so that they can share their story, or helping raise funds to support youth focus, so they can continue extend their support networks.

It's only a little contribution, but every little bit to help WA's most vulnerable and at risk young people counts. That's why I wanted to be part of the Hawaiian Ride For Youth.

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