A passion sparked 10 years ago will benefit a good cause next month when Ms Browne, aged 77, embarks on a 700 kilometre bike ride to help raise money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

“Sometimes I wonder what might have been if I hadn’t taken up riding,” Ms Browne said. 

Celebrating her 78^th birthday just weeks after the ride, she says she’s been touched by the stories of many the many people across the MIA living with the condition. 

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“I’ve been meeting with a lot of people … For a lot of people, it’s their brother, their husband or their friend,” she said.

“I’ve noticed it’s definitely something affecting people in our area.” 

The route will see around 30 riders travel from Ungarie to Melbourne. The ride itself is, in part, a tribute to former AFL footballer and Ungarie-born Neale Daniher, who was diagnosed with MND in 2014. 

In preparation, Ms Browne has been cycling 50 kilometres and swimming six days per week. 

“I saw an article in the Daily Advertiser talking about the ride and it inspired me to get into contract with the organisers,” Ms Browne said. 

With a few weeks to go, she has already raised over $2000. 

“I want to be able to use this ride to do something good and make a bit of a difference.” 

Cyclists leave Ungarie on March 11, travelling through Ariah Park, Coolamon, Lockhart, Corowa, Benalla, Seymour and Kilmore before arriving in Melbourne on March 18. 

To donate or to learn more, visit https://support-fightmnd.everydayhero.com/au/ruth-browne