Ride for Rural Kids is a charity bicycle ride to help raise funds for Aussie Helpers Children’s Fund (AHCF).

The team of riders includes Ben Cummins, Bernard and Gerard Sutton, all National Rugby League referees and Chris Sutton who referees in the Toyota Cup competition.

On Tuesday 20 October, the riders had been doing it tough coming from Bathurst up Mt Fitzgerald and were feeling the pressure as they pulled into Blayney.

Waiting to welcome the riders were thirty students from Blayney Public School.

The students presented the riders with a cheque for the charity and then entertained them with a poem.

“The day’s other surprise was the reception from Blayney Public School at Hill and Crofts.

“The students presented us with a cheque and gave a stirring recital of ‘Mulga Bill’s Bicycle,” said Gerard Sutton.

“The boys don’t normally show a lot of emotion but we were all touched by the warmth of the kids. Here we are trying to raise money for rural kids and who turns out to give us a lift when we need it most? Rural kids.

“It just reinforced the worth and importance of what we’re all doing. Our country kids are really special.”