The Ulysses Club’s inaugural Ride for Rheumatoid Arthritis recently rolled into Kiama, with Gerringong’s own Cheryl and Patrick Maheady leading the charge.

The South Coast members of the Ulysses Club met up with the Melbourne riders in Marulan, before riding through Bundanoon, Kangaroo Valley, and down Cambewarra Mountain into Kiama.

A total of 43 Ulysses Club members stopped for dinner in Kiama, and on Friday, 21 March, a smaller group gathered at Kiama Harbour before heading north for the next leg of the journey.

The ride was dedicated to raising funds for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) research, a chronic condition that affects approximately 514,000 Australians each year. RA causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints, as the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining the joints.

It is estimated that the ride has raised between $10,000 to $15,000 for RA research.

Gerringong local Cheryl Maheady, who was diagnosed with RA seven years ago, became the face of the ride for South Coast members of the Ulysses Club. She and her husband, Patrick, were part of the crew that assembled in Kiama.

The Ulysses Club in front of the Kiama Lighthouse. Photo: Supplied

“I’m very pleased to say that with the help of the local Gerringong community, we’ve raised just over $3,600,” she said.

She expressed heartfelt thanks to all the local businesses and friends who had donated and purchased raffle tickets, including: Natural Necessity Surf Shop, Oak Home Gerringong, AMX Warrawong, Core Store Gerringong, Beyond the Beach Gerringong, Bunnings South Nowra, First National Gerringong, Gerringong Pharmacy, Gerringong Physiotherapy, Gerringong Family Medical Centre, Gerringong Post Office, Gerringong Rotary Sunrise, Soulfit Co Gerringong, Rosemary Rolles, and all the wonderful friends who generously supported the cause.