Supporters of The Michael Tynan Memorial Challenge were out in force on scooters, on foot and on the water from Wollongong to the shire on Saturday to raise funds for ongoing research into diseases.
The challenge celebrated the life and achievements of Tynan Motors founder, Michael Tynan, and raised funds for St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation and University of Wollongong Medical Research.
Donations are still being pooled but thousands was raised for mental health, acute brain injury, blood clot research, aged care diseases and management of back pain.
Attorney General Mark Speakman participated, as did representatives from St George Bank, St George and Sutherland Hospitals and St George Illawarra Dragons players Matt Cooper and Luke Lewis.
Also out in force of course, were extended members and employees of the Tynan family.
More than 120 walkers joined the journey by foot along the coastal walk in the Royal National Park.
Mr Tynan’s son, Brendan, led the paddle with a fleet of supporters who paddled up the coast to Port Hacking. Crews from Dolls Point also signed up for the challenge and were followed by support craft carrying relief rowers.
Mr Tynan’s wife, Annette Tynan, rode with rally drivers, and event organiser and Mr Tynan’s daughter, Madeline Tynan-Davey, walked in the challenge again with her son Sam.
She says she was blown away by the enthusiasm of those who had signed up for the gruelling trek that made its first mark in the shire at Rydges Cronulla.
Mr Tynan’s granddaughter Prudence and Nicholas hosted the scooter challenge, which rolled into action early in the morning, stopping at shire businesses including ANSTO, Sharks Leagues Club, Bianchini’s Espresso Gymea, and Ugly Cook Coffee Sylvania – all making donations to medical research.
Prudence Tynan-Davey says her grandfather, while a humble man, would have been very proud of the support showed by family and the community.
“At each destination a cheque was presented and many supporters even gave a bit extra,” she said.
“This was the third year of the challenge but the first scooter ride, and it was a great community feel. Everyone was asking what it was all about and how they could help.”
There is also a gala dinner on November 3 at Doltone House Eveleigh.
