Up until recently Dr Paul Stobie’s bike was only ever dusted off for a ride about once a year, but that all changed when a group of his friends convinced him cycle 700 kilometres in less than five days.
The Perth cardiologist is taking part in the 2026 Hawaiian Ride for Youth, which sees teams of cyclists ride from Albany to Perth to raise funds for Youth Focus, which provides free mental health services to young people in WA.
The event, which is heading into its 24th year, has raised more than $34million and this year organisers are aiming to add another $2million to that total.
Dr Stobie is hoping his background in endurance running will help him complete the four-and-a-half days of cycling.
Participants also take part in six months of rigorous training to prepare them for the ride. Dr Stobie’s bike is now being taken out three times a week for training sessions.
“Crawling out of bed at a quarter past four has been a new experience, but it’s actually been very rewarding so far,” he told Medical Forum.
Dr Stobie said he was grateful for the chance to be part of the ride.
“Work can get so busy, sometimes you become so busy that your own requirements are put to the side a lot. But this forces you to do the exercise that we keep on reminding people they should be doing,” he said.
“Part of it was to get literally back on the bike, get back to regular exercise and then also to participate an event that has such a great cause.”
Corporate sponsors cover the costs of supporting teams to participate in the Ride for Youth and Dr Stobie is part of the Hawaiian team, captained by John Slade, property asset and infrastructure consultant at Youth Focus.
“More people should know about the great work done by Youth Focus,” Dr Stobie added.
“I think most of us know somebody with a niece, your own brother, your daughter, or somebody who is having a bit of a struggle in this crazy world that we’re in. I think it’s becoming increasingly important, the services that agencies such as Youth Focus provide.”
In 2022, almost two in five people (38.8%) aged 16-24 experienced a 12-month mental disorder, and only half of these young people are receiving the help they needed.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in Australia.
Youth Focus chief executive Derry Simpson said riders sharing their stories and experiences was a powerful way to show young people that they are not alone.
“There is help out there when they need it, and there are people who care.”
She said while the ride had funded vital support services and increased awareness about mental health and the challenges faced by young people living in regional areas, there was still work to be done.
“The need for mental health support in Western Australia has never been greater, especially in regional and remote areas,” she said.
“”The Hawaiian Ride for Youth not only raises crucial funds for Youth Focus services in Western Australia, but also sparks important conversations in the community, breaking down barriers and stigma around asking for help.”
The 2026 Ride for Youth will take place from March 24-28.
Travelling over four-and-a-half days, riders are separated into three different pelotons, and they will visit 18 towns across three different routes; Coastal, Inland and Wheatbelt.
Throughout the ride, participants stop to visit and speak with high school students about mental health.
Dr Stobie has raised more than $40,000 so far, but is hoping to raise more for Youth Focus.
You can donate to his cycle here.
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