Successful NZ trip

Riders from HMAS Success hand over a cheque for 4982.50 to Mater Dei school captains Laura Pitt and Nathan Cook.

Photo: ABPH Nina Nikolin

Earlier this year sailors from the 17,933 tonne fleet oiler, HMAS Success, raised $4982 during an 886km charity cycle ride through the north island of New Zealand.

More recently, the sailors got on their bikes again, rode to the Mater Dei school for intellectually disabled children at Camden outside Sydney and handed over the money.

The money will be used to buy new playground equipment including a large slippery slide, Mr Frank Pitt, the school’s principal, said.

The school, with its 118 pupils, is the warship’s designated charity.

During a recent visit to New Zealand, Success stopped off at Wellington.

With the sanction of Commanding Officer CMDR Mark McIntosh, 10 riders struck out from Wellington led by Chief Petty Officer Chris Apperley and the ship’s chaplain Maurie Lund.

They had earlier obtained sponsorship from family and friends for every kilometre covered.

But as their ride became known, New Zealanders donated to the cause. By the time they had completed the 886km ride and rejoined Success in Auckland there were thousands of dollars in the kitty.

Last month, six of the riders attended the school where they presented a huge cheque, marked $4982.50.

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