He already planned on riding from Adelaide to Coleambally for a good cause, but when a friend was diagnosed with brain cancer, his priorities changed slightly. 

“I had planned to ride to raise money for MS Australia. I lost my Mum to MS about eight years ago, 

“My Mum passed away eight years ago from MS. I’d initially decided to ride to raise money for MS Australia to honour her memory. When we heard about Bernie, we kind of figured they’re in more urgent need of support.”

RELATED: How one man used his cancer experience to benefit the community

Bernie Star was diagnosed with brain cancer last year.

Mr O’Connell will be joined by Tom Groves and Mitch Carroll for the entire length of the journey, with both men’s friends and family joining them for different legs. 

The boys will ride 830 kilometres across six days, averaging around 140 kilometres per day. 

Kicking things off in Adelaide on March 19, they will travel through Renmark, Mildura, Balranald and Hay where they will begin the final leg of their trip. The crew are also inviting people to ride with them for the last 27 kilometres of the tour into Coleambally. 

Those wanting to get involved can do so by purchasing a shirt through the project’s Facebook page or making a direct donation to the fund’s account. Businesses have also chipped in to sponsor the ride. 

Account Name. Project: Go 

BSB: 633 – 000 

Account number: 161918354

For Mr O’Connell, it’s as simple as helping out a mate. 

“Being in a tight knit community, everyone knows everyone. You all chip in where you can.”

He hopes this initiative could become an ongoing project. 

“I’d like to do a ride each year to benefit different groups or people in need for the next few years.” 

For more information, news and updates follow Project: Go on Facebook.