and emotionally, I returned to Australia feeling like I hadn't done enough. Mentally I knew I couldn't have done more, but the feeling persisted. So when I was asked if I wanted to join the bike ride the following year I didn't hesitate: I said yes. Despite not liking bike riding. In fact I'd never ridden a bike with gears, let alone done more than casual riding. It was a huge commitment for me. I was out of shape but energised. Determined to help make an even bigger difference. I was driven by the happy faces of children I knew who didn’t have much but remained positive in the face of it all. So when I was on the verge of hitting that wall on day three, the sight of Pla gave me focus. That little card reminded me of who and what I was riding for. And I found a little extra to get myself into that lunch break. And during that break I reflected on those kids who’d let me into their lives the year before and I found a peaceful happiness. Surprisingly I didn’t struggle again on that ride. The next two-and-a-half days of riding passed in a tranquil state and I found myself getting excited at the prospect of seeing familiar faces again. Not that I expected them to remember me after a year, but I knew, and that was enough. Our group of riders raised more than $324,000 for Hands Across The Water on that trip but you couldn’t put a monetary figure on the experience. We shared stories, encouragement, laughter and more tears than I care to admit. We pedalled 500 kilometres in ridiculous heat – it actually exceeded 52 degrees on the Friday – and battled endless hills and even a mountain, but we didn’t give up. I sang songs from Les Mis and Disney movies alike on the straights with those around me. I spent a lot of time at the back encouraging and laughing with those who were struggling physically and I made friends I will keep for life. We were united in the ride and in our dream to help a charity helping those less fortunate. We were a little sad the journey was ending as we rode into the orphanage – called Baan Than Namchai, which translates to “the home of the stream of love” – but it was a sadness soon swallowed up by the happiness of 112 faces who engulfed us in hugs. And excited cries of “Anthony!” bought tears to my eyes once more as two little girls who I thought wouldn’t remember me nearly knocked me over. Twelve months earlier I thought my trip to Thailand was a one-off trip. But hugging those kids, I knew I would be coming back again and again. Since returning, Anthony has become a Speaking Ambassador for Hands Across The Water. He also speaks to business groups, schools and conferences on leadership, work-life balance and overcoming obstacles. X X COMMUNITY artHroplaSty Hip & Knee SportS & trauma Dr. Andrew Letchford is a specialist in hip and knee orthopaedic surgery, with a particular interest in arthroplasty (joint replacement), knee reconstructions, sports injuries and acute orthopaedic trauma. Fellow A.Ortho.A. FRACS Ortho MBBS ( Hons 1st Syd) B.Science ( Hons 1st Qld) Dip.Ed Orthopaedic Surgeon Pacific Orthopaedics Pty Ltd Suite 3c level 4 pacific private Clinic | 123 nerang Street Southport T 07 5527 1818 F 07 5526 4788 E reception@pacificorthopaedic.com.au www.dr-andrew-letchford.com.au pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 85
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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